Travel Phone Theft Hotspots 2025

This growing threat poses not only a personal inconvenience but also a significant financial and data risk. The risk is particularly high during peak travel seasons, such as the festive period, when destinations like Spain and France attract large crowds for the Christmas markets.

Our latest report explores the scale, risks and implications of mobile phone theft abroad, the worst countries for phone theft, and tips for customers to protect themselves and potentially recover their phone quickly.

Top destinations for phone theft

As the festive season approaches, thousands of British travellers head abroad to enjoy Europe’s renowned Christmas markets.

Our survey revealed that, of respondents who have had their phone stolen abroad, Spain tops the list, with 18% of holiday phone thefts occurring there. This is followed closely by France at 14%, both of which host some of the most visited Christmas markets in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and Strasbourg.

Canada (10%), Italy (9%), and the United States (8%) round out the top five worst countries for phone theft among UK travellers.

These figures highlight the need for increased vigilance during winter travel, especially in crowded festive settings where pickpocketing is common.

Top five countries for phone theft:

• Spain - 18%
• France - 14%
• Canada - 10%
• Italy - 9%
• United States - 8%

Thieves are most likely to take phones straight from luggage, target men, and millennials

Our survey revealed that one in ten (9%) phone thefts were taken directly from bags, 8% from pockets, 7% from tables when the owner wasn’t looking, 6% were snatched from hands, and 3% were stolen on public transport.

Top 5 methods of phone theft:

1. Taken from a bag or luggage (9%)
2. Taken out of a pocket (8%)
3. Taken from a table when wasn’t looking (7%)
4. Snatched out of hand (6%)
5. Taken off seats on public transport (3%)

The risk of mobile phone theft abroad varies significantly across demographics too, as men are 15% more likely to fall victim than women, though both genders are equally vulnerable in Spain.

Age also plays a factor, with 25-34-year-olds, otherwise known as millennials, being the most affected age group. A striking eight in ten (81%) millennials reported to experience phone theft while travelling, with 20% of these incidents involving theft from bags or luggage.

Why don’t Brits report phone thefts?

The survey showed that in terms of reporting it to the police when victims had their device stolen, 70% did report their phone theft to the local police, but half of those (35%) felt they had done so too late to make a difference.

A further 18% expressed regret for not reporting it at all, suggesting a lack of awareness around the importance of timely action.

One in five (20%) admit to not reporting it because they didn’t have insurance, while 16% didn’t know or understand the process in the country they were in, highlighting a significant barrier to recovery and a need for clearer guidance and support.

The cost of phone theft

Here at Insurance2Go, 8% of all mobile phone claims submitted over the last three years (2022-2025) were due to theft, with Apple iPhones accounting for 60% of those claims, indicating both the popularity and high resale value of these devices.

The average cost to replace a stolen phone stands at £543. This totals £1,053,420 over the last three years in claims from theft.

To put this into perspective and highlight the scale of the issue in the UK, in 2024, 78,000 Brits had their phones snatched in the UK, with a 153% increase on the previous year according to the House of Commons. Some £50 million worth of phones were stolen in London in 2024 alone.

Protect your device when you’re travelling

Darren Corney, insurance expert at Insurance2Go, commented on the data:

"With almost half of Brits experiencing phone theft while abroad, it’s clear that holidaymakers need to be more vigilant - especially in hotspots like Spain and France, which are home to popular Christmas markets at this time of year.

"The fact that nearly one in ten had their phone taken directly from their bag or luggage highlights how opportunistic these thefts often are.

"Millennial travellers, aged 25–34, are most at risk, and men are statistically more likely to be targeted. These insights should serve as a wake-up call to take proactive steps: keep your phone out of sight in crowded areas, avoid leaving it in easily accessible bags, and consider using anti-theft accessories like cross-body bags or phone lanyards.

"If your phone is stolen, it’s vital to report it immediately to both your mobile network and the police as delays can reduce the chances of recovery and may increase your liability for any unauthorised charges. Make sure you have your phone’s IMEI number handy, as this will be needed to block the device and file a police report.

"Obtaining a crime reference number is essential for making an insurance claim, and travellers should also check their policy details before departure to understand what’s covered and what excesses apply. Over the past three years, we’ve received over 15,000 claims for stolen Apple iPhones alone, showing just how common and costly this issue can be.

"Finally, registering your device with Immobilise, which is the UK’s national property register, can help authorities recover it if lost or stolen. These simple steps can make a big difference in protecting your tech and give you peace of mind while travelling."

Sources & Methodology

• Survey on 2,000 UK respondents aged 18+ in October 2025
• Insurance2Go own claim data from customer database, 2022-2025
• House of Commons data: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0150/
• Advice and guidance on phone theft: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phone-internet-downloads-or-tv/what-to-do-if-your-mobile-phone-is-lost-or-stolen