Their mobile phones were stolen in London. Then the threats started
A man in London had his phone stolen, leading to a series of threatening messages sent to his mother. The messages included demands to unlink the stolen phone's Apple ID and threats of violence. This incident highlights the growing issue of phone theft in London and the challenges faced by victims dealing with criminals.
- ▪Mr. Alex Pikula's phone was stolen in London, prompting threats sent to his mother.
- ▪In 2024, a record 81,000 phones were reported stolen in London, with the number decreasing to about 71,000 in 2025.
- ▪The Metropolitan Police are focusing on international networks that sell stolen phones on the black market.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
For subscribersTheir mobile phones were stolen in London. Then the threats startedSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPolice officers search a secondhand phone shop in north London on Sept 25, 2025.PHOTO: ANDREW TESTA/NYTIMESLizzie Dearden and Amelia NierenbergPublished May 23, 2026, 03:58 PMUpdated May 23, 2026, 03:58 PMLONDON – The crime Mr Alex Pikula reported to police was one they had heard before: An e-bike rider had zoomed past as Mr Pikula left a theatre in London’s West End, ripping his phone from his hands.It was frustrating, Mr Pikula thought, but that was that.He was wrong.His mother soon started receiving strange texts, claiming to have her son’s emails and bank information. Then she received a video of a man brandishing a gun.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.