12-year-old girl assaulted for her iPhone as warning issued over children carrying expensive technology

A 12-year-old girl was brutally set upon as a man tried to steal her mobile phone in an attack captured on CCTV.

Derbyshire Police have arrested a 22-year-old man from Derby in connection with the incident which happened on Cambridge Street on Sunday afternoon.

The girl attempted to fight off the assailant for 25 seconds before he eventually made off with her rose gold iPhone 6s.

Whilst the girl was left with no physical injuries the attack has prompted concerns over children carrying expensive goods. 

Director of criminology at the University of Kent, Dr Erin Sanders-McDonagh, said carrying such items leads to youngsters being “targets”, despite parents inventions of keeping their children safe. 

She said: “Parents do have to take into account that their children can become targets when they are given phones. Having valuable items increases the chance of being a victim of crime, and children are easier targets for criminals. 

“Of course many parents feel that phones keep their children safe, and this is true, but does your child need say an iPhone 10 to check in with you.

“Buying the most expensive and the best isn’t always needed, but perhaps is wanted. It is therefore important to balance what keeps your child safe and what can make them a target.”

Crime prevention officer at Derbyshire Constabulary, Kate Bowyer, said that whilst there was no blame on victims it was important that parents explain to children the responsibility and consequences of having expensive items such as phones and portable music players. 

“Parents need more education; whilst phones are great for safety, they are also highly desirable items,” she said.

Ms Bowyer added that “children are withdrawn from society” when using their phones or listening to music and therefore don’t recognise the potential dangers. 

Derbyshire Constabulary are still seeking information on the incident.

Roger Critchell, director of operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Having a mobile stolen can be a really shocking and distressing for the victim. 

“Thieves look for people they can target easily, so when you are out and about only use your mobile when absolutely necessary.”