Safeguarding your mobile phone

As many as 10,000 mobile phones are stolen every month, many from unattended cars.

Children of school age are more likely to be victims of mobile phone theft compared with adults. Two thirds of the victims are aged between 13 and 16. And it's an even sadder fact that some of these thefts involve threats or actual violence. 

Practical measures you can take to keep your mobile phone safe

• Use your phone's security lock code, if it has one
• Record details of your electronic serial number (ESN) and consider separate insurance 
• Put your postcode on the phone and battery to help police identify stolen ones 
• Don't attract attention to your phone when you are carrying or using it in the street 
• Don't park in isolated or dark areas
• Don't leave your phone in an unattended car - if you must, lock it out of sight
• It only takes seconds for a thief to smash a window and steal your phone
• Inform your service provider if your phone is stolen or lost
• If you see anything suspicious, call the police - dial 999
• The 15-digit serial or IMEI number helps to identify your phone and can be accessed by keying in #06# into most phones or by looking behind the battery of your phone.

 If you have information about stolen mobile phones or any other crimes, please call Crimestoppers on

0800 555 111.

You could receive a reward.

To get your stolen or lost phone blocked across all networks, immediately phone your network provider or the Immobilise Mobile Phone Crime Line on 08701 123 123.