The Government has pledged to crack down on ‘snatch thefts’ after cases soared by more than 150% in the last year.
The announcement comes after a recent Home Office analysis revealed that an estimated 78,000 people had items such as their phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets over the last 12 months – with the Government saying policing intelligence suggests this is being driven by “increased demand” for second-hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas.
Crime Survey data indicates the equivalent of more than 200 so-called ‘snatch thefts’ took place every day on streets across England and Wales, which is the highest rate in more than a decade.
More than one third (36%) of these offences involved theft of a mobile phone.
To tackle this challenge head on, tech companies and manufacturers will be called to attend a Home Office summit on the issue.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Government is to crack down on ‘snatch thefts’ after cases soar by more than 150% / Credit: Airam Dato-on (via Pexels)
The summit will look at the new innovations that could take on the illegal market, and will aim to build on anti-theft smartphone features that some tech firms are said to have already rolled-out to protect their customers.
On top of this, the Government will also be tasking police chiefs to tackle this scourge in neighbourhood theft.
ADVERTISEMENT
Local police will also continue to surge police patrols in areas that are considered to be most at-risk of serious violence, with the Government intending to work with forces across the country to ensure that there is visible police presence in these hotspot areas to help “deter criminals” and “protect our communities”.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson called the latest theft figures “troubling”.
More than 200 so-called ‘snatch thefts’ took place every day on streets across England and Wales last year / Credit: Picryl
“With new phones coming to market and young people going back to school and university, many of us will have a new phone in our hands at this time of year,” she explained. “These figures are troubling and the government is determined to do whatever’s necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery.
ADVERTISEMENT
“As part of our Safer Streets mission, this new Government is determined to crack down on snatch theft, knife-enabled robbery, and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities.
“We are working to get thousands more uniformed officers into our communities to restore neighbourhood policing.”
Dame Johnson added that the Government, tech companies, and law enforcement can “break the business model of the phone thieves who rely on this trade” if they all work together.
Featured Image – PickPik
News
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
All students in England to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE
Emily Sergeant
All students in England are soon to be offered the chance to do a new Ukrainian GCSE.
Said to be part of the UK’s ‘enduring support’ for the Ukrainian community and continued commitment to stand with Ukraine and its people, young people in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now have the opportunity to study for a new Ukrainian GCSE, the Government has announced.
While the qualification will be open to all students, it marks a ‘particularly significant’ milestone for Ukrainian children and young people living in the UK.
It’s hoped that the introduction of the new GCSE will help Ukrainians to preserve a vital connection to their language, culture, and identity.
It’s also hoped that it’ll open pathways to future education and employment for all pupils.
In line with the other modern foreign language GCSEs that are currently on offer, the qualification will assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also recognising the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language.
Examination board AQA will now begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts to design what will be a ‘high-quality’ qualification reflecting the richness of Ukrainian language and culture.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, commented: “As they build their lives here in the UK, it is right that Ukrainians and their children should have every opportunity to maintain that connection to their heritage and to be proud of who they are.
“This new qualification is available to all pupils and will give them the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment and strengthening our partnership with Ukraine.
“Through that enduring partnership, we are building the lasting ties between our countries that will see the young minds of the future move forward together, and foster connections that transcend borders.”
The Ukrainian GCSE is expected to be available for first teaching from September 2028 – with first assessments taking place in 2029.
Emily Sergeant -
4th September 2024 
