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mobile phone theft It continues to attract attention and concern from both residents and visitors across London.
A gym is calling out crime in a popular city by launching a self-defense campaign.
Gymnation, a gym chain based in the United Arab Emirates, has published an advertisement that has sparked debate across the city.
Tourist hotspot criticized for “normalizing theft” in mobile phone snatching awareness campaign
The chain store posted a giant sign that read, “Disgusted.” phone thief, London? ” and encourages people to “escape” to Dubai as an “exclusively defense resort.”
More than 115,000 mobile phones were stolen across London in 2023, according to data from the Metropolitan Police.
Dubai gym GymNation has launched a controversial self-defense campaign over an ongoing mobile phone theft scandal in London. (Gym Nation)
Rory McEntee, GymNation’s chief marketing officer, told Fox News Digital that the campaign specifically focuses on cell phone theft.
“Approximately one mobile phone is stolen every six minutes. In London.” said McEntee. “We need to do something different to address the problem.”
The gym’s campaign comes after the city recently launched “Mind the Grab” to warn pedestrians about mobile phone snatching.
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At the edge of the sidewalk are bold signs written in purple chalk that say “Beware of Grabbing” and “Stay Off the Curb! Hot Spot for Cell Phone Snatchers.”
Mr. McEntee shared the view that “various campaigns to address the problem have been ineffective” by elected leaders.
Approximately one mobile phone is stolen in London every six minutes. “We need to do something different to address the problem,” the marketer said. (Gym Nation)
He continued: “Self-defense classes are designed to give ordinary Londoners a little bit of power, to learn techniques to increase their self-awareness, confidence and feel empowered. People shouldn’t be afraid to pull out their mobile phone on their way to work.”
McEntee said if someone left their cell phone inside the house. restaurant or bar In Dubai, it will be handed over to its owner within two hours.
The campaign sparked debate on social media.
But in London, he said, mobile phones could be “snatched out of your hands”.
The campaign has sparked debate on social media, with Mr McEntee admitting it was “divisive”.
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Reacting to the video posted by Jim, Instagram users shared their thoughts in the comments section.
“In the UK you would be arrested for assaulting that person.” steal a cell phone” one person wrote.
More than 115,000 mobile phones were stolen across London in 2023. (Gym Nation)
Another user said: “Smart marketing.”
One person joked: “Snatches should start stretching.”
An Instagram user commented: undercover investigator Are you walking around with a dummy phone? Easy to catch. ”
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Another source said: “We have to ensure safety on the streets of London.”
Yet another user wrote: “This is crazy.”
London recently launched a campaign called “Mind the Grab” to warn pedestrians about mobile phone snatching. (Rashid Nekati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“While many people have praised the initiative on social media, others have been more critical,” McEntee said. “But the statistics speak for themselves. We need fresh ideas to deal with this disaster in such a beautiful city.”
He said more than 400 people had scanned the QR code in less than 48 hours after the new campaign launched.
Mr McEntee said dozens of expatriates based in the UAE had contacted him to take part in the class before traveling to the UK. For Christmas.
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“I think they’re nervous about watching the news,” McEntee said.
He also said GymNation “looks forward to welcoming you.” fitness enthusiast For anyone looking to level up their self-awareness and confidence over the next month. ”
