Safeguading iPads, iPhones, and iPods

If you have one of these devices then you should consider getting one of the 'Find My iPad' / 'Find My iPhone' apps which are free for anyone with an iPad, iPhone 4, or 4th gen iPod Touch.

Go to Apple store for detailed information on 'Find My iPad' app

Go to Apple store for detailed information on 'Find My iPhone' app

The links above will give you the full information from Apple, but below is a brief explaination of how this works and the benefits of these apps.

The app used to work in conjunction with a free online service called 'MobileMe' to sign into and ultimately track your device. However, Apple is now no longer accepting new subscribers for MobileMe. This is because of the launch of the iCloud which now replaces MobileMe for new users. MobileMe will however continue to function for its current subscribers until 30 June 2012, but users will are being encouraged to migrate to iCloud before this date.

The apps mentioned register your iOS (Apple's mobile operating system) devices with iCloud.com therefore you are able to locate one device using another. Or of course alternatively you can log into your account at iCloud.com on any computer in the world to locate your devices.

Select here for information on how to get iCloud up and running on your devices, mac, or PC.

The features include:

- Being able to locate your device to an approximate location on a map.
- Displaying a message on the device. (e.g. - this is Mr E Nigma's phone please call me on...)
- Playing a sound on the device to help you locate it.
- Remotely able to set a passcode lock to stop people from using and protect your information.
- Can initiate a remote wipe which restores the device to its factory settings to protect your personal information. However, you will be able to use iTunes to restore the data from your most recent backup.

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.