Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone Three have rolled out a kill switch to disable stolen phones from their UK stores. The tech activates when a device is reported stolen, adding it to a manufacturer database that renders it unusable. This follows resistance from Apple and Samsung to adopt similar measures globally.

The rollout aims to deter organized thefts, like the £20,000 inventory heist at a Vodafone store last year. London saw over 70,000 phone thefts in 2025, prompting police and regulators to push for broader industry action.