London shoppers told: 'Mind the grab' and guard your phone

Purple lines on Oxford Street urge pedestrians to keep their mobile phones hidden after a rise in thefts. Sponsored by Currys, the "Mind the Grab" campaign emphasizes the importance of stepping back from the curb to avoid phone snatching, which occurs every 15 minutes in Westminster.

Criminals often target phones directly from people's hands using mopeds or e-bikes. New anti-theft signage will accompany the initiative. Currys’ staff are also trained to support theft victims in their store.

With 34,203 phones stolen in Westminster last year, public concern about theft is high, prompting this awareness effort.