Google tools to combat mobile phone theft start rolling out to users

Google’s new range of security features designed to combat mobile phone theft – including an AI-powered tool which can sense when a device is snatched – have begun rolling out to users.

Theft Detection Lock uses artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors inside a device to identify when a thief has grabbed and fled with a user’s phone and locks the screen to prevent them accessing it or any data stored on it.

That feature is accompanied by a tool called Remote Lock, which enables users to remotely lock their device using just their phone number should it be lost or stolen, which Google said will help users who cannot remember their Google credentials in the moments after a theft, but still need to secure their personal data.

The tools are rolling out as part of Android 15, the latest version of the firm’s mobile operating system, having first been announced earlier this year.

In October last year, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and London Mayor Sadiq Khan held a meeting with tech companies including Google about phone companies doing more to help combat phone theft after a rise in incidents in the capital over the previous 12 months.

“Phone theft is a widespread concern in many countries – 97 phones are robbed or stolen every hour in Brazil, and a phone is reported stolen every six minutes in London alone,” Google said in a blog post about the new tools.

“The GSM Association reports millions of devices stolen every year, and the numbers continue to grow.

“With our phones becoming increasingly central to storing sensitive data, like payment information and personal details, losing one can be an unsettling experience.

“That’s why we developed and thoroughly beta tested a full suite of features designed to protect you and your data at every stage – before, during, and after device theft.”