Phone snatching is a growing criminal tactic in urban areas in the UK, where thieves on foot, bikes and mopeds target distracted pedestrians to grab mobile devices. Victims often use their handset for calls, messages or navigation and are vulnerable while focused on their screens. Reported incidents in London rose by 25% between 2019 and 2024, from 91,481 to 117,211, and some organisations cite a 151% increase in snatch-style offences in the last year. The immediate loss is only one part of the harm. Personal data, banking access and identity documents stored on a device increase the risk of follow-on fraud and identity crime. However, phone theft is not only limited to the UK. It is a universal issue that need to be addressed. Luckily there are methods to avoid dealing with stolen devices, as Ingram Micro Lifecycle explains.
How trade-in schemes work
Trade-in programmes accept used devices from consumers in exchange for a cash payment, voucher or trade credit and channel them into repair, refurbishment and recommerce flows. Third party processors for network providers, retailers and manufacturers aim to maximise recovered value by restoring devices and reselling them through secondary markets. This value recovery can be undermined when stolen devices enter those same channels, whether they are resold locally or exported.
Screening prevents stolen devices
Ingram Micro Lifecycle emphasises that every device entering a trade-in flow must be screened against blacklists and block records. This requires IMEI or serial number checks with services such as CheckMEND and access to GSMA IMEI registers maintained by network operators. If a device shows as blocked or listed as stolen it should be quarantined. Industry practice commonly holds such items for 28 days to allow for a legitimate owner to dispute or rescind a block. Screening prior to payment prevents operators from buying devices that will be unusable because of network or owner blocks.
Actions trade-in operators must take
Operators must not authorise payments before device status checks are completed. Clear, consumer-facing terms should explain the handling of blocked devices and the returns process. Documenting screening steps provides an evidentiary trail that demonstrates due diligence and reduces legal exposure under statutes such as UK’s Theft Act or the Proceeds of Crime Act. Working with accredited third-party partners can standardise checks and reduce operational burden for retailers and OEMs.
Best practice for protection
Best practice includes automated IMEI checks at intake and enforced quarantine procedures when a block is detected. Training frontline staff to follow documented workflows reduces human error. Partners such as Ingram Micro Lifecycle can add expertise in repair and refurbishment while ensuring devices are routed correctly when blocked. Publicly available procedures discourage opportunistic criminals by increasing the difficulty of quickly monetising stolen goods.
Protecting reputation and compliance
Handling stolen goods damages reputation, invites regulatory scrutiny and inflicts direct financial loss when payments have been made for blocked items. By combining robust technology, transparent policies and trusted third-party services, trade-in programmes can deter criminals, protect consumers and preserve the economic model of recommerce. Ingram Micro Lifecycle’s approach demonstrates how integrated screening and lifecycle services help organisations reduce the flow of stolen devices through legitimate channels and support safer secondary markets.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
