Is phone snatching a real thing?

Update;

Back from London and still have my phone! I bought a lanyard that was attached to my crossbody strap and never had any problems. But also made sure to stand in suitable areas when checking my phone.

Maybe a silly question..but as a Scandinavian we don’t really have this problem.

Going to London soon and seen so many stories about phones being stolen right out of peoples hands on the street…

I like taking pictures of course so it worries me🫣 Could one of those phone straps work or should I just be very cautious?