Statistics show that the majority of Britons believe violent crime in London is on the rise, despite official data indicating a decrease in crime rates. According to a recent survey conducted by YouGov in September 2025, over half of the British population believes that crime in the capital is increasing.
This conflicting public perception versus recorded crime statistics highlights the need for the UK to consider implementing smart video camera technology to aid in crime prevention. While all 43 police forces in the UK currently use body-worn cameras, not all utilize smart cameras, although many major cities do.
Line Bang Riecke Hjardemaal, Sales Director for the UK and Western Europe at video technology company Milestone Systems, emphasizes the potential of modern technology in creating safer cities. She states, “Using video surveillance to predict and prevent crime is crucial in today’s society. Whether it’s police forces monitoring behaviors and intervening early or cities tracking footfall and vehicle use to adapt plans accordingly, the opportunity to use smart technology to reduce crime is vast.”
One area where smart video systems can play a significant role is in the rising occurrence of phone theft in Britain. In 2024, cases of phone theft reached a 20-year high, with London accounting for a considerable proportion of the total. In fact, two-fifths of all phone thefts in Europe occur in the UK, with 42% of those crimes taking place in London.
In response to this epidemic, the majority of the British public (55%) supports the implementation of CCTV systems in every public space in the country. Hjardemaal explains, “Phone snatching is a highly visible crime that often goes unsolved by police, contributing to a public perception that crime is on the rise. By using AI technology to monitor live feeds, smart camera systems can automatically flag suspicious behaviors and alert police for early intervention and better crime prevention.”
It is essential to address this issue, as the rise in phone theft contributes to the public’s fear of crime. Hjardemaal reassures, “The UK is a very safe place, and people should feel secure in major cities without fear of becoming a crime victim. Implementing smart camera systems is an effective, affordable, and straightforward way to prevent crimes against the person, utilizing existing CCTV infrastructure to make British cities even safer.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.