Council Tax Rise Planned to Tackle Phone Theft

Londoners could soon see higher council tax bills under plans aimed at boosting police efforts against the sharp rise in mobile phone theft across the capital. The proposal, announced by Sadiq Khan, would increase the City Hall portion of the average Band D council tax bill by more than £20 a year, taking it above £500 for the first time. City Hall says the move is intended to provide crucial funding to support frontline policing at a time when phone snatching has become a daily concern in many neighbourhoods. Criminals often operate on mopeds or electric bikes, allowing them to steal devices at speed before victims can react. The mayor argues the additional funding is necessary to give police the resources required to disrupt organised gangs and improve neighbourhood safety.

The proposal comes as new figures highlight the scale of the problem facing the capital. Data from the Metropolitan Police Service shows more than 117,000 mobile phones were stolen across London in 2024, compared with just over 91,000 cases in 2019. Despite the increase, only a small proportion of offences resulted in charges or convictions, raising concerns about deterrence and public confidence. Under the draft budget, around £15 of the annual council tax rise would generate an extra £60m specifically for policing initiatives, including new tactics to target phone theft and strengthen local patrols. A further £5 would be directed towards the London Fire Brigade to support wider emergency services.

Not everyone is convinced the rise is the right approach. Conservative members of the London Assembly have criticised the timing of the decision, arguing that stronger action should have been taken earlier as thefts surged. Some Londoners have also questioned whether residents should shoulder additional costs at a time when household bills are already under pressure. Interviews with residents across different boroughs suggest frustration that victims are being asked to pay more to address a crime that already leaves many out of pocket. Others acknowledge that phone theft has become a visible and persistent issue, particularly in busy areas, and say extra funding may be unavoidable if meaningful progress is to be made.

City Hall insists the proposed increase would allow record investment in policing next year, with overall funding rising to £1.22bn. Officials say this would help address financial pressures faced by the Met while supporting broader crime reduction efforts, including progress made in tackling serious violence. The draft budget also includes funding for transport and education priorities, and will now be scrutinised before a final vote. Approval from the London Assembly is required before the new council tax precept can be confirmed later this winter, meaning Londoners will soon learn whether the plan to fund a tougher crackdown on phone theft will go ahead.