London crime trends from modern phone theft to 19th-century larceny

London currently faces significant issues with mobile phone theft and robbery, with nearly 200 cases reported daily. High-traffic areas such as Bond Street and Oxford Street are particularly vulnerable, as pedestrians often engage in risky behaviors like using screens while walking or taking selfies near curbs.

Historical records from 1818 highlight a long tradition of theft in the city. During a period of intense poverty in England, individuals like 17-year-old William Daley engaged in ‘snatch and run’ crimes, such as stealing silk handkerchiefs, illustrating the enduring nature of street crime in London's busy commercial districts.