What is the "Mind the Grab" campaign in London?

The "Mind the Grab" campaign in London involves the installation of purple pavement markings on Oxford Street to raise awareness and deter phone theft, which has been a growing problem in the area.

How effective has the Metropolitan Police's efforts been in reducing phone theft in London's West End?

According to the article, the Metropolitan Police's increased patrols and focus on tackling phone theft in the West End have resulted in a 20% reduction in robbery since April.

What role does Crimestoppers play in the "Mind the Grab" campaign?

Crimestoppers, an independent UK charity, is supporting the "Mind the Grab" campaign by urging the public to report any suspicious behavior or witnessed thefts, as part of the effort to address the issue of phone theft.

Home / Crime and Justice / London Deploys 'Mind the Grab' Markings to Deter Phone Theft on Oxford Street

London Deploys 'Mind the Grab' Markings to Deter Phone Theft on Oxford Street

6 Aug

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Summary

Purple pavement markings with "Mind the Grab" warning installed on London's Oxford Street
Campaign aims to reduce mobile phone theft, which saw a device stolen every 15 minutes in Westminster last year
Metropolitan Police increasing patrols and working with businesses to tackle the issue

As of August 2025, London's iconic Oxford Street has a new weapon in the fight against phone theft: purple pavement markings with the warning "Mind the Grab." This innovative campaign, launched just last month, is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Police, Westminster Council, and the tech retailer Currys.

The markings, inspired by the famous "Mind the Gap" slogan from the London Underground, serve as a visual reminder for pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and keep their phones hidden. This comes in response to a concerning trend in the area, where a mobile device was stolen every 15 minutes in Westminster last year.

To address the issue, the Metropolitan Police have increased patrols in hotspot areas and are working closely with local businesses. Superintendent Natasha Evans, the Met's local policing lead for Westminster, says the campaign is part of a broader strategy to identify and deter perpetrators, noting that robbery has already decreased by 20% in the West End since April.

The "Mind the Grab" initiative is also supported by the independent charity Crimestoppers, which urges the public to report any suspicious behavior or witnessed thefts. With phone theft leaving many victims feeling vulnerable, the campaign aims to empower pedestrians and make the streets of London's bustling shopping district a safer place.

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