A new research study from UK fintech startup Nuke From Orbit, highlights a sharp rise in smartphone theft across the country and the growing impact on how people use their devices.

As thefts soar and public trust in police and tech providers declines, the findings point to a security crisis that is reshaping digital habits for millions of Britons.

According to the study, which surveyed 1,000 UK adults (18 years and above), 29% have now experienced phone theft, up from 17% just a year ago. The surge is fuelling widespread anxiety and has started prompting consumers (5% or greater) to scale back their use of mobile banking, email, social media and digital wallets.

The findings reveal a nation struggling with digital vulnerability. 67% of consumers say they are most concerned about unauthorised access to their bank cards or accounts, underlining the financial risks of losing a smartphone. Despite this concern, 34% of users still rely on the same or similar PINs for multiple apps and to unlock their devices - a risky behaviour that continues to undermine security efforts.

"The findings are deeply worrying," said James O'Sullivan, CEO of Nuke From Orbit. "In the past 18 months, we've seen a perfect storm: thefts are rising, personal security is lacking, and users are stuck in risky habits. It's unacceptable that nearly one in three people have had their phone stolen. The current solutions - and the police response - simply do not match the scale of the problem."

Everyday phone habits are also contributing to increased theft risk. Nearly half of respondents (47%) say they use their phones in public several times a day - a figure that rises to 71% among 18-25-year-olds, making them easy targets for opportunistic thieves. This visibility, especially on public transport or in busy urban areas, significantly increases the likelihood of theft.

Yet many victims are reluctant to report the crime. The research shows that those who have not experienced phone theft are almost three times more likely to report it than those who have, indicating a breakdown in trust and expectations around police intervention.

Public opinion is divided on who should take responsibility for improving smartphone security. While 44% believe phone manufacturers should lead the charge, 30% say the onus is on users themselves. Interestingly, those who have never had their phone stolen are nearly three times more likely to report theft than those who have - suggesting that personal experience often leads to disillusionment.

A Call for Urgent Action

Nuke From Orbit is calling for stronger, more coordinated action on smartphone safety. The Rising Threat of Smartphone Theft: Consumer Behaviour and Security Challenges report highlights the need for improved consumer education, closer collaboration between tech providers and law enforcement and more integrated security solutions to better protect users and their data.

CEO James O'Sullivan has been actively engaging with stakeholders, from meeting with officials at Downing Street to working alongside ethical hackers to identify system vulnerabilities, pushing for faster progress across the sector.

"We need to shift how we approach smartphone safety," added O'Sullivan. "With greater awareness and stronger protections, we can reduce the impact of this growing threat and help prevent it altogether."

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