Telephone thefts throughout London proceed to attract consideration and concern from each residents and guests.
One fitness center is looking out crime within the common metropolis by launching a marketing campaign of self-defense.
UAE-based fitness center chain GymNation has posted commercials which can be sparking debate throughout the town.
TOURIST HOT SPOT BLASTED FOR ‘NORMALIZING THEFT’ WITH PHONE-SNATCHING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
The chain put up big billboards that say, “Sick of phone thieves, London?” It then promotes an “escape” to Dubai for an “exclusive self-defense retreat.”
Over 115,000 cell phones have been stolen throughout London in 2023, in accordance with Metropolitan Police knowledge.
Dubai fitness center GymNation has begun a controversial self-defense marketing campaign across the ongoing cellphone theft disaster in London. (GymNation)
“Around one phone is stolen every six minutes in London,” stated McEntee. “Something different needs to be done to tackle the problem.”
The fitness center marketing campaign comes as the town not too long ago launched “Mind the Grab,” warning pedestrians about cellphone snatches.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Daring purple chalk indicators on the sting of the sidewalks say, “Mind the Grab,” and “Step back from the Kerb! Phone snatching hot spot.”
McEntee shared the view that numerous campaigns from elected leaders “to tackle the problem haven’t worked.”

Roughly one cellphone is stolen each six minutes in London. “Something different needs to be done to tackle the problem,” stated a advertising officer. (GymNation)
He went on, “The self-defense class is designed to give a bit of power back to ordinary Londoners, to learn techniques to improve self-awareness, confidence and feel more empowered. People shouldn’t be scared to get their phone out on the walk to work.”
McEntee stated that if somebody have been to depart a cellphone in a restaurant or bar in Dubai, it might be handed again to the proprietor inside two hours.
The marketing campaign has sparked debate on social media.
But in London, he stated, telephones are “snatched from your hand.”
The marketing campaign has sparked debate on social media, with McEntee acknowledging there’s “split opinion.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Reacting to a video that the fitness center posted, Instagram customers shared ideas within the feedback part.
“In the U.K., you’d then be arrested for assaulting the person stealing your phone,” wrote one individual.

Over 115,000 cell phones have been stolen throughout London in 2023. (GymNation)
A distinct consumer stated, “Smart marketing.”
“Snatchers better start stretching,” joked one individual.
An Instagram consumer commented, “So why don’t we have undercover cops walking around with dummy phones? Easy catch.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Gotta stay safe in these London streets,” stated one other individual.
Yet one more consumer wrote, “This is crazy.”

London not too long ago launched “Mind the Grab,” a marketing campaign to warn pedestrians about cellphone snatches. (Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu by way of Getty Photographs)
“Lots of people have taken to social media to praise the initiative, while others have been more critical,” stated McEntee. “But the stats speak for themselves, and fresh ideas are needed to tackle this scourge on such a beautiful city.”
He stated that lower than 48 hours after the brand new marketing campaign was launched, over 400 individuals had scanned the QR code.
McEntee stated dozens of ex-pats based mostly within the UAE reached out to attend the category earlier than going to the U.Ok. for Christmas.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
He additionally stated GymNation appears to be like ahead to “welcoming fitness lovers who want to level up on their self-awareness and confidence over the next month.”