Reality TV star Henry Southan has become the latest public figure to be targeted by brazen phone thieves, sharing details of a bizarre and failed robbery attempt at a mobile phone store.
Masked Thief's Embarrassing Blunder
The 27-year-old Big Brother contestant took to his Instagram Stories to recount the shocking incident, which occurred on Tuesday, 7th January 2026. Southan explained he had spent a considerable amount of time in an O2 shop upgrading his device and was in the process of transferring data from his old phone to the new one.
It was at this moment that a masked individual entered the premises. In a swift move, the thief grabbed what he believed to be the prize – the box containing Southan's new phone – and fled the scene. However, in a comical twist, the robber had snatched only the empty packaging, with the actual phone safely in Southan's possession.
"I felt such second-hand embarrassment for him," Southan told his followers via the camera. "Imagine, he's just gonna see it's an empty box, what a s*** thief he is." He expressed his disbelief at the bungled crime, adding that an accomplice present in the store had called the masked man an "idiot."
A Growing Trend of Celebrity Phone Thefts
Southan's unsettling experience is sadly not an isolated case among celebrities in the capital. His story follows a recent report from Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour, who stated she no longer feels safe in London after being targeted.
In February 2025, Chenneour was walking her dog with her boyfriend when a thief attempted to steal her phone. The couple managed to wrestle the assailant to the ground before he could escape. The actress later revealed to LBC that the anxiety from the attack prompted her to move out of London, fearing it could have jeopardised her career.
Furthermore, acclaimed actress Rosamund Pike shared her own harrowing tale from 2006. Appearing on Magic Radio, the Pride & Prejudice star recalled being punched in the face by a mugger who snatched her phone while she was speaking to her mother. Pike described the event as "15 minutes of hell," with her mother hearing only a scream and a thud before the line went dead.
Safety Concerns and Public Reaction
These consecutive incidents involving high-profile individuals have cast a spotlight on street crime and personal safety in urban areas, particularly London. The brazen nature of the thefts, occurring in broad daylight and in busy retail environments, has raised significant concerns.
Southan's reaction, mixing shock with ridicule for the thief's incompetence, has resonated with many online, highlighting a growing public frustration with such crimes. While he was left physically unharmed, the psychological impact of being directly targeted is a recurring theme in these accounts.
The trend underscores a warning to the public to remain vigilant with personal belongings, especially high-value items like smartphones, even in seemingly secure settings.
