Apple has dealt a significant blow to the stolen phone trade by introducing a 'kill switch' system that renders stolen phones useless. The move, aimed at tackling the rising phone theft crisis, has been welcomed by police who say it will make stolen phones 'bricks' with no value to thieves.
London, which has seen around 200 phones stolen every day, is one of the worst-hit places. Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has called for new laws to force companies to stop stolen phones from being reused.
Apple's 'Stolen Device Protection' feature, which works in conjunction with iCloud Find, locks the device and prevents it from being used again unless the correct owner password is entered.
The partnership between Apple and the Metropolitan Police will see data shared about stolen phones to track them and stop resale networks. Early results show a significant decrease in successfully reactivated stolen phones.
Other tech companies, including Samsung and Google, are also making security changes to combat phone theft. Apple has pledged to work with UK police and global partners to disrupt stolen phone markets and reduce crime.
