10 Solid Tips from Police to Prevent Mobile Theft

While there are many ways to protect our mobile phone from being misplaced or stolen, we have some interesting tips coming straight out of the national police of Republic of Ireland.

The police force, which is commonly referred to as Gardai (website), shares 10 useful tips to prevent theft of cell phones. They are as follows:

• Register your Mobile Phone with your Service Provider.

• Take careful note of your unique 15 Digit Mobile Phone IMEI number. (The IMEI number is located on the back of your phone underneath the battery, or you can locate it by dialing *#06# on your keypad).

• Enable the PIN Security feature and keep your Phone locked at all times.

• When out and about, keep your Mobile Phone out of public view, be streetwise and always be aware of your surroundings.

• Never leave your Mobile Phone behind in an unattended vehicle.

• Property mark your Phone with unique personal letters or numbers.

• Avoid making calls or texting on your Phone while crossing the road.

• If making or receiving a Mobile Phone call in public, always do so with your back up against the wall or a shop window etc. so that you can see around you and reduce the opportunity to be attacked from behind.

• If you a have a SmartPhone, consider downloading a location finder App.

• If your Mobile Phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to Garda Síochána (or nearest police station) and contact your Service Provider in order to have your IMEI number blocked, so that it can’t be used.

Regarding the last tip, you must know that carriers like AT&T has a stolen phone database that permanently bricks the device. It’s a risky move, but do read this article to get a better idea: Deactivating Nokia Phone.

More often than not, we neglect these common tips. There has been a significant increase in mobile theft, but the percentage will reduce further when we — the consumers — will start taking actions before our phones are lost or stolen.

Did you find these tips useful? Do you have anything to share? Drop a comment below to share your thoughts.