The ‘Mind the Grab’ initiative is backed by Westminster Council, the Metropolitan Police Service, and Crimestoppers, It will trial a painted purple line along Oxford Street pavements to remind  pedestrians to step back from the kerb and keep their phones out of sight in an attempt to reducie the risk of thieves grabbing their devices.

The London Underground’s famous ‘Mind the Gap’ safety line is meant to nudge behaviour and make people more theft-aware of their surroundings.

As part of the campaign, Currys is training staff at its Oxford Street store to help victims immediately after a theft, contacting family, notifying police, cancelling bank cards, and arranging safe travel home.

The Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research at Birkbeck University will evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness, with results expected by the end of the year.

Currys reckons 77 per cent of research respondents  view phone snatching as a serious problem, rising to 88 per cent in London. More than 34,000 incidents were recorded last year in Westminster, equivalent to one phone stolen every 15 minutes. Many thefts involve moped or e-bike riders targeting pedestrians.

Metropolitan Police Superintendent Natasha Evans said robbery in the West End has fallen 20 per cent since April thanks to targeted patrols, and initiatives like Currys’ will help maintain pressure on organised theft gangs.

Currys Chief Commercial Officer Ed Connolly added: “Phone theft isn’t just about losing a device. It’s frightening, invasive, and cuts people off from their loved ones, their money, and their daily lives. It’s time to draw the line on phone theft.”

If successful, the scheme could be rolled out to other UK high streets in partnership with local authorities and government bodies.

Dixons Carphone has announced the appointment of Ed Connolly as its chief commercial officer and made Mark Allsop chief operating officer.

Connolly has previous experience working for John Lewis Partnership where he most recently served as director of partnership strategy.

The company also announced an increased role for Mark Allsop who will expand his existing digital portfolio and lead Dixons Carphone’s omnichannel customer experience as chief operating officer.

Connolly replaces Steve Ager who is leaving the company after12 years to take up a new tole outside Dixons Carphone. Allsop replaces the outgoing Alan Ritchie who will depart the company in June after 11 years.

Both Connolly and Allsop will begin their roles on May 4.

Dixons Carphone chief executive Alex Baldock said: “I am delighted to welcome Ed to Dixons Carphone as chief commercial officer.

“Ed is a forward-thinking and innovative leader who is focused on building strong, customer-obsessed and highly commercial teams.

“I am also pleased to be bringing our stores, contact centres and online business together under Mark Allsop’s leadership in his role as chief operating officer.

“This will enable us to become truly omnichannel and deliver a seamlessly integrated store and digital experience.

“I would like to thank Steve and Alan for their important contributions to Dixons Carphone over many years. We look forward to building on their hard work and successes as we continue with the transformation of the business in our vision to help everyone enjoy amazing technology.”