New Anti Phone-snatching Features Launch Following Spate Of Mobile Thefts

GOOGLE is bolstering its anti-theft features on Android mobiles to make snatches harder for criminals.

Last year, the firm introduced a special tool that detects when a device has been suddenly grabbed, causing it to automatically lock so no one can go through your banking apps and more.

Police smashed a gang suspected of smuggling 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China last yearCredit: Met Police

Illustration of a mobile phone screen displaying "Theft Protection" settings with several security features, including identity check, auto-lock protections, theft detection lock, offline device lock, failed authentication lock, remote lock, and find & erase device options. — A new Failed Authentication Lock toggle will also be available on Android devicesCredit: Google

Last year more than 61,000 phone thefts and over 10,000 mobile robberies were reported in London alone, according to Met Police data.

Police have attempted to crack down on the problem, having smashed a huge gang suspected of smuggling 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China in October.

Now tech companies are trying to add more safety features in a bid to make phone thefts less lucrative for crooks.

First up, Google is expanding its Identity Check tool on Android.

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Identity Check requires a fingerprint or face to unlock some apps when you’re outside “trusted locations”, so it’s a lot harder for thieves to simply get hold of your PIN or password and break into your phone.

Later in the year, all features and apps that use the biometrics will be able to take advantage of Identity Check – including your precious banking apps.

Google is also introducing tougher protection against screen lock guessing.

The time you have to wait after failed attempts of PINs, patterns or passwords is being up.

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But to ensure you aren’t locked out by mistake identical incorrect guesses no longer count toward your retry limit.

Google says it is enhancing its recovery tools too for victims of phone theft.

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Remote Lock – which lets you lock your lost or stolen device from any web browser – is receiving a new optional security question/challenge.

“This helps ensure that only you, the real device owner, can initiate a lock, adding another layer of security to your recovery flow,” the firm explained.

Elsewhere, Theft Detection Lock will no be switched on by default in Brazil only for any new Android devices activated going forward.

“We’re always evolving our protections to stay one step ahead of thieves,” Google added.

“Our ongoing updates help ensure that no matter where you go, you can have greater peace of mind knowing your device and data are protected by Android’s multi-layered defenses.

“Keep a lookout for even more Android theft protection updates.”