A new report has indicated that PS5 theft continues to be an issue in the United Kingdom, with gangs now organizing operations that see them steal the console out of moving delivery trucks in a move similar to those seen in over-the-top heist films. The PS5 launch has been messy across the globe thanks to shortages in stock that have seen plenty of disappointed consumers waiting for another chance to purchase a console, but things have been especially problematic in the UK.
The PS5 rollout in the UK began with the same problems everyone else experienced, with new console pre-orders scarce and scalpers making a quick buck on being faster than the average consumer's purchasing process online. Things began spiraling out once deliveries went out, with some customers reporting they received completely different items than a PS5. Afterwards, it was revealed that some Amazon drivers were stealing PS5 consoles from customers, while it was also revealed that a UK-based scalper group had managed to acquire over 3000 PlayStation 5s during pre-orders with the intent to resell them for exorbitant markups. Most recently, a UK trade-in retailer came under fire for marking up PS5 consoles by double their MSRP.
Now, a new report from The Times (via Eurogamer) has revealed that PS5 theft continues to be an issue, and thieves are getting more creative, too. The report details the "rollover" technique being used by gangs to secure PS5 consoles illegally, which involves using cars to pen in delivery trucks as they're driving and then having one of the criminals scale their own vehicle before breaking into the moving truck, stealing what's inside. Apparently, the process has already been at least somewhat of an issue, with 27 instances reported up to September, but the report makes mention of the fact that figures have risen in recent weeks due to pre-Christmas deliveries. Thing have apparently gotten so bad police have alerted delivery companies to the rollover and how to prevent it.
This generation's consoles have been released into an environment that seems to continuously churn out issues for those who want them, and PS5 thefts from moving delivery trucks are only somewhat surprising given how maddening the experience has already been for many. Most of these issues could be solved by PS5 restocks, but those don't seem to be coming any time soon, at least in large numbers.
For now, PS5 theft has another method that both retailers and delivery companies will need to be wary of. Hopefully the report helps illustrate the practice and make it less commonplace as a result. Until there are more chances to own a piece of current-gen tech, however, it appears thieves will continue to get creative in their attempts to obtain a lucrative resale target like the PlayStation 5.