Phone thefts from bike mounta

I've been occasionally mounting my phone on my handlebars recently as I had a need to know where I was going when, for example, if I was in unfamiliar territory on my folder (gone on the train somewhere for work) or I was on a hire bike in London (again, not familiar roads).  Hate being in traffic and not really knowing where I'm going and constantly stopping to check a map is a hassle; probably because I normally have a Wahoo Satnav.  Quickly set up a route in Komoot or Google Maps.  Settled on a Quadlock velcro mount (you need a quadlock phone case as well) which is easy to take on/off.  Phone is pretty secure; you have to press the lever down and twist to remove it so grabbing it won't work (unless you also release the velcro which isn't intantaneous).  So far so good.  My bad habit on hire bikes is removing the phone and then forgetting the mount; had to run back to the bike a few times.  Got a bg red tag on it now to (hopefully) remind me!  You do need a portable charging method as using a phone for navigation burns the battery.  Great on Santander bikes in London; £3 for 24 hour unlimited 'unlocks' (up to 30min per ride).  Bargain; often quicker than the tube.

I've thought about using an old phone as a handlebar-mounted GPS device. Less problem to lose, and isn't draining or otherwise risking your main device.

Or if they snatch your bike from under you, will you be able to rescue the phone before your bike disappears?

It's a fair question, given the increase in phone theft. Many of us have our financial lives on our phones now and this is what is driving the spike in theft. A thief in possession of an unlocked phone can quickly lock the owner out of their bank accounts, credit cards, crypto balances and other financial assets.

Yet another reason not to have your phone on your bars, exposed to damage and potential theft.

I've used the Quadlock mount for some years now. The phone is stable on the stem (in my case) and is held to the mount by a lifting mechanism that does take a bit of getting used to (it's a bit of a trick to dismount): I've never even had an attempt at theft. Then again I'm 6'+ and built like a brick sh*thouse. However my mount is held on the stem by 2 silicone o-rings (like the original Garmin mounts, so it's not beyond the judicious application of a blade). There are more secure mounts available that screw onto the bar, like an out front Garmin, which is also reversible so that the phone stays over the stem; much safer. I think that with one of these mounts phone security is much enhanced.

By the way, I am not part of, nor have any connection to Quadlock except as a happy customer. I also use a car mount and a belt mount from the same outfit, which all work together. They are not cheap mind, but I believe they're great value.

https://www.quadlockcase.co.uk/collections/shop-cycle