Phone shops set to keep doors closed when their open in bid to stop thefts

Thefts of mobile phones are getting worse as some smartphone shops take drastic measures such as keeping the store doors shut when they are open for business Mobile phone shops may star locking their doors when open (stock image) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Mobile phone shops are locking their doors during trading hours following a surge in thefts. ‌

They are even considering “kill switches” to disable stolen devices amid the more than nine-fold increase in thefts at some high street stores. ‌

VodafoneThree has seen a 967% increase in thefts in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024. ‌

The mobile phone company has 650 stores, the largest number in the UK, and has introduced a locked door policy at some shops.

This requires security guar