Hertfordshire takes part in national anti-phone theft operation

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Hertfordshire Constabulary has taken part in a national operation to target the theft and sale of stolen mobile phones.

Police forces across the country carried out activities during September 2026 to target those involved in the theft of mobile phones. In Hertfordshire, officers visited more than 60 retailers who buy second hand phones to educate them on how to identify if a phone is stolen and make them aware of the consequences of handling stolen goods.

Sergeant Dan McNeil, who led on the operational activity, said: ‘Phone theft has been a persistent issue across the country and is a serious issue for those that lose their phones. Not only do they lose an expensive piece of equipment, but often they also lose valuable photos and sensitive data. Most of the stolen phones are quickly sold and repurposed, however if a phone isn’t locked criminals can use the data and apps to access banking and other online accounts and commit identity fraud.

‘We have been speaking to retailers that deal in second hand phones, and have shown them how to check if a handset is stolen and also made clear the potential punishment for handling stolen items. We continue to work with retailers, target criminals and urge residents to ensure their phones are secure by setting up screen locks with biometric passkeys enabled.’

To help keep your handset and data safe, follow these tips:

  • Avoid leaving your phone unattended, out of your sight, or left on a table. Thieves can grab a phone from a table in seconds or can distract you to take it
  • Keep an eye on who’s around you when using your phone in public. Thieves use ‘shoulder-surfing’ (looking over your shoulder) to watch or film you entering passcodes or see your data
  • Avoid entering personal information in a public space, and wherever possible, use biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Fingerprint, to access your phone and sensitive apps rather than passcodes
  • Never give your phone to people you don’t know or have only just met. Thieves may ask to borrow your phone or offer to enter their number. Don’t let them
  • Put your phone away when you’ve finished using it

If you have information about phone theft you can report information online at herts.police.uk/report or speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact. You can also report by calling the non-emergency number 101.

If you have had your phone stolen, been hurt, feel unsafe or the crime has only just happened, call 999.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.