Summary
Aim
This bulletin examines trends in mobile phone thefts in NSW over a three-year period.
Abstract
Ownership of mobile phones in Australia has increased substantially as improvements in technology have made them more affordable for the average consumer. Coinciding with the spread of mobile phones is an increase in the number of phones stolen each year. This bulletin examines trends in mobile phone thefts in NSW over a three-year period. The results indicate that in just two years incidents of mobile phone theft have doubled, rising from 19,433 to 39,891 incidents per year. Furthermore, the largest growth in crime associated with stolen mobile phones has been in offences that are violent in nature. Contributing factors to this observed increase, as well as options for its control are explored.