How can I stop phone theft?

With a mobile phone stolen every 3 minutes in the UK it's worth not only insuring your phone but taking a number of steps to help make sure that you don't become just another mobile phone crime statistic.

• Keep your phone out of sight when you're in public
• If you're not using your phone then turn it off
• Use the security features built into your phone
• Note your phones IMEI number - this is unique to your phone and you can use it to disable the handset if it is stolen, get this number by pressing * # 0 6 #
• Report any theft to the police immediately
• Keep your mobile out of sight in a pocket or bag that zips up.
• Remember stations and bus stops are hot spots for mobile theft.
• Turn off your ringtone in public places.
• Be alert using your mobile phone on the street, particularly at night.
• Never leave your phone in an unattended car - it you must, lock it out of sight. It only takes seconds for a thief to break the window and steal your phone.

In addition to the above theft prevention tips you can register your phone with the Mobile Equipment National Database (MEND, www.MENDuk.org). You can put your IMEI number into the database, so that if you phone is stolen and then recovered it can be returned to you.

Crime prevention information by The Metropolitan Police.

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