Smartphone theft is on the rise in the UK, posing a significant threat to device owners. Criminals are targeting individuals, often snatching phones directly from their hands while out in public. The Metropolitan Police reported that over 70,000 London residents fell victim to phone theft last year, averaging around 192 incidents daily.
In addition to the financial impact of losing a phone, there are emotional consequences as well. Personal data, sensitive photos, and financial information stored on these devices can lead to distress if lost.
To address this concerning trend, Samsung is taking steps to enhance security features for smartphone users in the UK. The company is urging owners of Samsung Galaxy devices to enable and update the latest anti-theft functionalities.
One crucial security measure to consider for Galaxy device owners is Theft Protection. This feature offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to protect personal data, even in high-risk situations like theft. Notable components include “Theft Detection Lock,” which uses machine learning to identify theft-related movements and automatically locks the screen, and “Offline Device Lock,” which secures the device if it loses network connectivity for an extended period.
Samsung has also introduced new security updates, including Identity Check and Security Delay features. Identity Check requires biometric authentication in unfamiliar locations, while Security Delay imposes a one-hour buffer before any changes to biometric data can be made, giving users time to secure their devices remotely.
Annika Bizon, Samsung’s Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing for the UK&I, emphasized the importance of these security enhancements. The latest One UI 7 update has integrated advanced anti-theft features like identity check and biometric authentication across various Galaxy models, prioritizing customer safety.
These security updates are currently accessible on the Galaxy S25 and will soon extend to previous flagship devices like the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip 5, S23, and S22 series, with plans for future updates on more Galaxy smartphones.