For years, London has struggled with a growing wave of smartphone thefts. Criminals often targeted iPhone users because Apple devices maintained strong resale value even after being stolen.
That equation may finally be changing.
Recent data cited by the Metropolitan Police suggests that the vast majority of recently stolen iPhones have not been successfully reactivated. Officials attribute much of this shift to Apple’s Stolen Device Protection feature, which places additional security barriers between thieves and a usable device.
The feature requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication before major account and security changes can be made. In some cases, users also benefit from built-in waiting periods before sensitive settings can be modified.
Security experts have long argued that reducing the profitability of stolen devices is one of the most effective ways to discourage theft. Apple’s latest results appear to support that theory.
While criminals can still sell devices for parts, the days of quickly resetting and reselling stolen iPhones may be coming to an end.
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