Purple lines have been painted on Oxford Street. Here’s why

• Currys, the UK's largest electrical retailer, has launched a 'mind the grab' campaign in London to combat the surge in phone snatching.
• The initiative involves painting purple lines on Oxford Street pavements, advising shoppers to step away from the kerb and keep their mobile phones hidden.
• This campaign, a collaboration with police and Westminster Council, addresses the rising issue of phone theft, often by criminals on mopeds or e-bikes.
• Data reveals a significant problem, with 94 phones stolen daily last year across the UK, and 34,203 thefts recorded in Westminster in 2024.
• Currys is also training staff to support victims and provide safety advice to customers.

IN FULL

‘Mind the grab’: Oxford Street shop paints phone theft warnings onto street