For most people, losing your phone is like losing your lifeline.
From online banking to paying for transport and listening to music – a modern day phone really has and does everything. So what happens when you lose it, or worse, it is stolen?
As many may agree – you feel lost, stressed and unsettled.
But which Kent borough has the highest number of phone thefts, and what can you do to guard against your phone being stolen?
A new report has revealed the places you are most likely to have your phone stolen in Kent.
Data from Kent Police, crunched by insurance firm Loveit Coverit, has analysed the boroughs where you are most likely and least likely to be a victim of phone theft.
By looking at the total number of “theft from the person” crimes as reported by data.police.uk between January 2023 to February 2024, the company has estimated the areas with the highest number of phone thefts per 10,000 people.
Coming out on top is Dartford, with 77 reported mobile phone thefts and a phone theft rate of 6.59 per 10,000 residents.
Louise Simmons, from Gravesend, had her phone stolen while having lunch in Ossie’s Café in Dartford back in December 2023.
Halfway through her meal two women entered the café, and one of the women pointed at Louise’s coffee before walking off – five minutes later she discovered her phone, which was on the seat beside her, had gone.
She told KentOnline: “I work in retail, so I’ve always been aware of possible theft, so it really threw me off that I’d been stupidly caught out.
“It’s a very unsettling feeling because I know how much information we keep on our phones and how that information can be used for larger fraud and identity theft.”
A similar incident also happened in December, when police were called to McDonald’s in Gravesend town centre due to reports someone had stole a teenager’s iPhone 14.
The victim’s mum said her daughter was having lunch with her friend in the fast food chain’s Gravesend town centre branch when the alleged crime happened.
The next most likely place to get your phone stolen is Canterbury with 98 mobile phone thefts at a rate of 6.23 per 10,000 people.
Thanet also emerges as a hotspot for mobile phone theft, with 86 reported incidents with a theft rate of 8.12 per 10,000 residents.
In contrast, Tonbridge and Malling has only 25 reported mobile phone thefts at a rate of 1.89 per 10,000 residents, making it the place you’re least likely to have your phone stolen in Kent.
Coming in next is Swale with 45 reported thefts, at a rate of 2.97 per 10,000 residents and similarly, Sevenoaks, which records 36 mobile phone thefts at a rate of 2.99 per 10,000 residents.
What can you do to protect your phone from being stolen?
Superintendent Pete Steenhuis, head of prevention at Kent police said: “Modern smartphones are expensive and highly sought-after commodities, which unfortunately makes them very desirable to opportunistic thieves.”
He added that ‘theft from the person’ offences are different to robberies because they involve no violence or threatening behaviour but “still have a big impact” on victims who rely on their phones for work and socialising.
“We investigate every reported incident thoroughly based on the evidence available and always seek to recover stolen goods and bring those responsible to justice,” he added.
The superintendent says the best way to protect your phone from thieves is to be aware of your surrounding and to ensure it is never left unattended or out of sight.
“You can also property-mark your phone or install a tracking app to improve your chances of recovering your phone if it is ever stolen,” he added.
Crime prevention advice from Kent police online says: “Don’t leave your phone, iPad, tablet or camera unattended, out of your sight or left on a table – thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds.
“Be aware of your surroundings and only use your mobile when it feels safe to and when you’ve finished using it, put it away.”
A spokesperson from Loveit Coverit said: “While some areas may boast lower rates, it’s important for individuals to remain vigilant regardless of their location.”
The company say there are several steps individuals can take keep their phone secure in case they fall victim to phone theft, such as using passcodes and fingerprint and facial recognition.
“Avoid leaving your phone unattended in public places and consider investing in anti-theft accessories such as phone cases with wrist straps or tracking devices,” it adds.