The article discusses a recent mobile phone theft incident involving Mr. Byrne, a Deputy for Wicklow-Wexford, who was attacked in London while walking to his hotel. He suffered a fractured shoulder as his phone was stolen. The rise in mobile phone theft in London is alarming, with statistics showing a record number of thefts in recent years. In 2024, reported thefts rose to 70,137, costing Londoners an estimated €80 million annually. This trend reflects a broader national issue, with over 100,000 phones stolen in the UK last year.
Mr Byrne said "it's a matter of life that these things happen and unfortunately I will have the awkwardness of having my arm in a sling for a few weeks but I can live with it."
Latest figures show that mobile phone theft have risen to a record level in London as the number of handsets being stolen has more than tripled in four years.
The Metropolitan Police has said that 70,137 phones were reported stolen in the capital in 2024. The figure is up nearly 40 percent from 52,428 in 2023.
With some new smartphones priced at over €1,000, the crime wave is estimated to cost Londoners over €80 million a year.
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