Trends in all phone thefts Test results show a substantial growth in offences involving the theft of phones. Police figures Figures from six forces suggest that the number of recorded phone thefts has at least doubled within the last two years Whether the phone was in use or on display In 24% of incidents overall victims were using their phone or had it on display when it was targeted. The figure in Westminster was higher. As a small valuable item it was inevitable that mobile phones would become an attractive target for theft. The fact that technology is fast paced and they are frequently updated adds to there desirability . And being on display adds to their vulnerability.