Rise in phone snatching across city

South Wales Police have had reports of phone snatchings in several city areas

Cardiff is seeing a recent rise in phone theft across the city, South Wales Police have warned.

The force has received reports of phone snatchings in the city centre, Roath, Cathays, Cardiff Bay, and Riverside.

During one incident, the victim was wearing headphones so did not hear the suspect approach.

Officers are asking people to be “vigilant and aware of your surroundings” as they investigate the incidents.

According to September 2024 statistics provided by the UK Government, ‘snatch thefts’ increased by more than 150 per cent from 2023 to 2024.

This meant that an estimated 78,000 people had phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets, with policing intelligence suggesting that this is being driven by increased demand for second hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Criminals often use bikes to snatch mobile phones from people, particularly at busy locations. Often victims are approached from behind while talking or texting on phones.

“While most thefts happen between six and ten at night, criminals operate during the day too, so always look out for what’s going on around you.”

Guidance on how to protect yourself before and after your phone has been stolen has been published by South Wales Police.