Gardeners unearth stolen phones left by snatchers

Volunteers at The Phoenix Garden in central London are reuniting phone theft victims with their stolen devices, often found buried in flower-beds. Due to its proximity to the West End, the garden has become a temporary hiding spot for thieves who stash phones for later collection. Louise Gates, the garden manager, frequently uncovers phones hidden in bushes or wrapped in tin foil, a method used to prevent tracking. Victims have been able to locate their devices using Apple's Find My app, some visiting the garden to reclaim their stolen property. Local police have ramped up patrols in the area, leading to a 16% decrease in phone theft since April.

Community worker Elliot Hughes stresses the importance of educating young people about the dangers of using expensive smartphones in public. Ron Chenery, a volunteer, notes that discovering stolen phones has become a regular occurrence. The Metropolitan Police are also collaborating with phone manufacturers to enhance security features that would deter theft.