Key Insights:

• New AI-based Android update locks stolen phones instantly, making them harder for thieves to access.
• Remote Lock feature allows users to secure lost phones using only their mobile number.
• 69% of London thefts involve phones, prompting stronger security measures and increased police patrols.

Google has introduced a new security update for Android devices designed to curb mobile phone thefts. The update utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors to detect when a phone is stolen and immediately locks the device. The tech company aims to prevent unauthorized access to stolen phones and help protect personal data, a pressing concern in London, where mobile phone theft is on the rise.

The new feature comes in response to growing concerns about phone-related crimes in the city. According to recent statistics, 69% of all thefts reported in London last year were related to mobile devices, and more than 11,800 robberies involved phones being snatched from victims.

AI-Driven Technology to Secure Phones in Real Time

The newly released Android update introduces technology that activates screen locks automatically when the device is snatched. This feature uses AI to recognize sudden, rapid movements, such as those associated with theft, and immediately locks the screen. It aims to limit thieves’ access to sensitive information stored on the phone, making it more difficult for them to misuse stolen devices.

Additionally, the update includes a “Remote Lock” feature, which allows users to secure their lost or stolen phones using only their phone numbers. This capability can be especially useful in high-stress situations when users might struggle to recall passwords or credentials. 

Google states that users need to enable these features manually through their phone settings, as they are disabled by default. Tech expert Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor, noted: “The AI uses sensors to detect suspicious movement, helping speed up the locking process in case of a theft.”

Victim Experiences and the Push for New Solutions

Tyler, a Londoner who recently experienced phone theft near the Science Museum, supports the new feature. Recalling his ordeal, he said, “I was just walking along with my headphones in, phone in my hand, and they just drove past and yanked the phone out of my hand.” 

He shared that he struggled to lock his device remotely because he could not remember his password, which he had changed months earlier. He added: “With Google’s new initiative, where they only need your mobile number, I think that’s a good way to lock phones.”

The AI-powered lock features are being welcomed by some users as a potential deterrent to phone theft. Tyler emphasized that such technology could discourage thieves by making stolen phones less useful and harder to resell: “Then the phones are worthless. And then there’s no resale value. And then they’re pretty much wasting their time taking these phones.”

London Authorities’ Response to Phone Theft

The rise in mobile phone-related crimes has caught the attention of authorities, with 33% of robberies in London last year involving a stolen phone. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been advocating for enhanced security measures to make mobile devices less appealing to criminals. Khan stated that he urged phone manufacturers to develop stronger security features to protect users and reduce thefts.

Law enforcement is also stepping up efforts to address the problem. The Metropolitan Police has increased patrols in areas identified as theft hotspots in an attempt to reduce the incidents. The police have advised residents to remain vigilant while using their phones in public and to activate available security measures on their devices.

Recommendations for Users Following New Security Features

While the update provides an added layer of protection, experts recommend that users also take additional steps to safeguard their phones. Moore advised users to contact their service provider immediately after a theft to disable the SIM card and prevent the generation of one-time SMS passcodes. He also suggested activating the “lost mode” or remotely wiping the device if possible.

Moore further explained: “Most thieves will try to take the device offline quickly, but Android’s new Offline Device Lock aims to counter this, making it harder for thieves to access any data.” Users who activate these AI-based features could have a better chance of securing their devices quickly after a theft.