Senior officials from Apple and Google have disagreed with UK police on how to tackle the growing problem of mobile phone theft, which now makes up two-thirds of thefts in London and is linked to a rise in violent crime.
The Metropolitan Police want phone makers to block stolen phones using their unique IMEI number, preventing thieves from using or reselling the devices.
However, Apple and Google raised concerns about relying solely on IMEI blocking, warning it could open new fraud risks where thieves might claim ownership falsely.
Apple pointed to its Activation Lock feature, which links stolen iPhones and iPads to an owner’s Apple ID, preventing unauthorized use or repair of stolen parts. Google highlighted improvements like Theft Detection Lock and factory reset protections on Android devices.
Police said 75% of stolen phones are moved abroad, often to China or Hong Kong, and asked tech companies to stop stolen phones from connecting to cloud services. Apple and Google have not yet agreed to implement this, citing the need for an industry-wide approach.
Some MPs criticized the companies for “dragging their feet” and not doing enough to curb phone theft. Google representatives emphasized the complexity of the issue and called for cooperation among all industry players.
The debate continues as phone theft remains a major driver of crime and a lucrative black market for stolen devices and parts.
