The most recent survey on mobile thefts in the U.K. has found Apple's iPhone 5 to be the favorite among thieves.
Mobile theft is a rising concern despite the enhanced security features in smartphones. The amount of data stored in smartphones like banking details, emails and other sensitive information makes these devices all the more precious. Smartphone thefts risk owner's information being used illegally. The latest survey by Mobile Phone Theft Ratio has ranked smartphone thefts in the U.K. based on their models and brands.
The detailed research paper, which was published by Home Secretary Theresa May Sept. 7, shows the most targeted smartphone by thieves in the U.K. and steps to prevent theft. Based on the data gathered between August 1, 2012 and January 5, 2014, Apple's latest handset models were most coveted. The iPhone 5 model topped the list while other models including 5C, 5S and 4S followed the lead, respectively. BlackBerry's 9790 smartphone came in fifth and Samsung's Galaxy S4 and S3 took the next positions. HTC was also included in the top 10 most stolen smartphone brands.
The data also reveals the frequent victims of mobile robberies are women aged between 14 and 24 years.
In London, iPhone thefts accounted for half of all phone robberies between August 2012 and January 2014. But the paper also highlights the noteworthy security features in the iOS7, which has placed a dent in the black market for stolen phones. Also, the Find My Phone and Reactivation Lock features by Samsung bring improved security to the data stored on the phones and prevent them from being used after stolen.
"Crime has fallen by more than 10 per cent under this government. This is good news for a safer England and Wales. However, the level of mobile phone theft remains a concern and people are increasingly carrying their lives in their pockets, with bank details, emails and other sensitive personal information easily accessible through mobile phones," May said in a press release, Sunday.
