Approximately 15,000 handsets are stolen in the UK each month, the majority of thefts taking place in daylight. School children are particularly susceptible to this type of attack. However, there are a number of measures that you can take to avoid becoming a victim of mobile phone theft:
- Avoid making very public calls. Think carefully about who is around when you use your phone. If you do need to make a call in public, it is safer to use a hands free device, keeping the phone out of sight.
- Never leave your mobile in view, clipped to your belt, or on top of a bag.
- Never leave your phone unattended in a car, even briefly. Many mobiles are stolen from cars on filling station forecourts.
- Thieves often hang around areas such as train and tube stations, as people tend to make calls as soon as they leave the station. Try to avoid using your phone as soon as you exit an area with no signal.
- Remember that mobiles can be recovered or replaced. Never put yourself in danger if confronted by someone trying to steal your phone - it's not worth it.
- Always use your phone's security lock code (see Codes and Passwords) and pin number to protect your phone if it is lost or stolen.
- Keep a record of your IMEI number (usually found on a label behind the battery or alternatively key in *#06# and the IMEI number will be displayed). This 15 digit number is unique to your phone and will be needed by the police when reporting your phone stolen.
- Report any theft or loss to your network. They will have the ability to bar your phone so it cannot be used.
- Put your details under the battery; either your house number and postcode, or "If found ring ...".
- Consider buying a SIM backup system (see Mobile Phone Accessories) to record all your address book contact details.
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