London’s Metropolitan Police chief revealed a collaboration with Apple to curb iPhone thefts. The partnership shares data on stolen devices, allowing Apple to tweak its anti‑theft tools.

Apple’s lineup—Activation Lock and Stolen Device Protection—prevents reactivation and limits data access, making phones less valuable on the black market. The force’s crackdown targets e‑bike thieves, even using tactical contact from patrol cars.

Data exchange shows a fall of 18% in thefts between June 2025 and May 2026, with Westminster down 45.8% this year. Apple claims it has blocked software that once allowed factory resets, crippling the resale chain.

The move tightens the security loop around iPhones. By making stolen models nearly worthless, the collaboration discourages theft and protects consumers’ personal data.