Mobile phone theft is on the rise in the United Kingdom, but a curious trend has emerged on the streets of London — thieves appear far less interested in stealing Samsung Galaxy devices compared to iPhones. In several recent incidents, robbers have reportedly handed Samsung phones back to their victims, suggesting a clear preference for Apple devices due to their stronger resale value.
According to the Metropolitan Police, London recorded over 1.17 lakh mobile phone thefts in 2024, with snatch-and-grab crimes being the most common. While the police do not categorise thefts by smartphone brand, anecdotal accounts indicate that iPhones are overwhelmingly more desirable to criminals.
Victims say thieves refused to take their Samsung phones
A feature published on the London Centric blog highlighted incidents where victims were robbed of their belongings, only for thieves to return or discard their Samsung phones. One such case involved Sam, a 32-year-old resident who was ambushed by an eight-member group. The mob snatched his phone, camera and even his beanie hat. However, moments later, one of the robbers returned to hand back his Samsung Galaxy phone.
Another victim, identified as Mark, described how a bike-riding thief stole his phone only to throw it to the ground moments later after discovering it was a Samsung model. “If anything, I feel a bit rejected,” he told the blog, noting the bizarre sense of insult that accompanied the experience.
These stories may seem unusual, especially considering that many Samsung devices today are priced at par with, or even higher than, the latest iPhones. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, for instance, costs more than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Samsung’s foldable range touches premium pricing of USD 2,000 and above.
Why thieves still prefer iPhones despite similar retail prices
Experts say the reason thieves favour iPhones has little to do with their upfront cost and everything to do with resale value. iPhones continue to command a significantly stronger second-hand market, making them more profitable for criminals.
Cybersecurity advisor Jake Moore, speaking to London Centric, said:
“Apple devices have a higher secondhand market value, and it makes more economic sense to pursue these more sought-after phones rather than cheaper models with a lower secondhand price.”
Even though top-tier Android phones now match or exceed iPhone prices, their depreciation is much steeper, especially in the UK and Europe. For thieves looking to sell stolen items quickly, iPhones simply offer a better return.
Security features also not the decisive factor
Some users speculate that thieves might prefer iPhones because they are easier to unlock or repurpose, but cybersecurity experts disagree. Both Apple and Android manufacturers have strengthened anti-theft protection significantly in the past few years.
On the Android side, Google and Samsung have introduced advanced features like Theft Detection Lock, which automatically locks the device when a sudden snatch-and-run motion is detected by the accelerometer. Apple, too, has implemented multiple layers of theft prevention through iCloud, Stolen Device Protection and Activation Lock.
This means that for criminals, the difficulty of bypassing security measures is fairly consistent across the two ecosystems. Profit, not ease of unlocking, remains the key motivator.
A reflection of pop culture and user trends
Experts also note that iPhones have become culturally iconic — especially among teens and young adults — which fuels demand in both legitimate and illegitimate markets. Even though Samsung manufactures some of the most technologically advanced smartphones globally, public perception around desirability and resale often tilts toward Apple.
This perception extends into the world of petty crime. The idea that thieves will keep a victim’s beanie hat but return their Samsung phone ironically reflects how market demand drives even street-level theft trends.
Conclusion
The unexpected reluctance of thieves to steal Samsung Galaxy devices may offer small comfort to Android users in London amidst rising mobile theft cases. But the trend ultimately underscores how brand perception and resale economics influence criminal behaviour. For now, at least, owning a Samsung might mean you are less likely to lose your phone to opportunistic robbers.