With all of the advances on mobile phones today, many are becoming a must have commodity. Mobile phones today have capabilities that were only dreamt of 10 years ago. Phones today are used for photography, music, games and connecting to the internet. Some phones are equipped with a large series of games and some enable you to watch movies. With all of this capability, more and more people want to own the latest mobile phones. Although phones continue to drop in price people always want the latest models with the high tech features. Some fully loaded phones carry a large price tag. Unfortunately, that price tag isn’t a very strong deterrent when someone decides they want your phone. This is one of several reasons that mobile phone theft is on the rise.
It is estimated that almost 50 percent of crimes in the public transport systems of the world involve mobile phones. Mobile phone theft also account for a large percentage of street crimes and robberies. The range of features that these phones offer makes them very desirable. The ever decreasing size on many of the models make them very easy to take. An experienced pickpocket could take a phone without the victim even knowing it.
The more valuable phones are a desirable commodity among thieves. As stated previously, they are quite easy to take and in many cases can be done without violence or even incident. Some with technical skills are able to re program and resell the phones quite quickly. They unload the stolen goods and make a huge profit.
Some phones are taken without incident, however with their increasing value there are thieves that will resort to more extreme measures. There are steps that you can take to avoid being a victim of mobile phone theft. You should avoid using your phone in public and heavy populated areas. When you do this you are advertising what you have and making yourself a prime target for a thief or mugger. While you are speaking on your phone, your sense of awareness will be diminished. This makes it very easy for another person to overpower you and take what they like. If you receive a call in this situation try to wait until you get to a more secure location. Also, when you are not using your phone, keep it locked away out of sight.
Make sure that you lock your phone with a PIN code. If your phone is stolen then this will prevent the thief from being able to use it. Many phones also have an additional security code that when activated, only your SIM card will work. Again, this prevents thieves from being able to use your phone should they get it off of you.
Phone companies are suggesting putting your post or zip code onto your phone using an ultraviolet pen. If your phone is recovered then this can help the police locate you. You should also check to see if your phone has an IMEI number. This number can block your phone from any use should it be stolen or lost. It also needs to be given to the police when you make your report.
If your phone is stolen then you need to report it to the police immediately. You also need to inform your mobile phone company. The must be done as soon as possible as you are liable for any calls or charges the perpetrator makes until it has been reported stolen.
Some manufacturers are even developing anti theft devices in the form of phones that scream loudly when they are stolen although its too early to say if this will have much of an effect.
The features of mobile phones make them very attractive to thieves. Unfortunately there are many that will try to obtain these phones by dishonest and dangerous means. The many features and the ease in stealing them help explain why mobile phone theft accounts for nearly 50 percent of crime on public transport and large percentage of theft all around. By taking some simple precautions your can avoid being the victim of mobile phone theft or robbery. You can also protect yourself from charges being levied should your phone be taken. We all like to show of our gadgets and toys from time to time, but when your safety and security are at sake remember, out of sight is out of mind.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
my new phone was stolen. iwent to restroom at a restraunt and came back to table and it was gone came home and called and cancealled and reported it is thru t-mobile