Protecting phones from theft

Mobile phones are valuable things, but they aren't as valuable as personal safety. If someone feels threatened in any way, the most important thing is for them to protect themselves rather than be harmed just for the sake of hanging on to their mobile.

If your child's mobile is stolen, you should contact customer service on 0870 521 400 to get a restriction put on the number. By doing this, nobody will be able to make or receive calls with the missing handset or SIM. You should then report the theft to the police, who will give you a crime reference number.

If a phone that has been stolen or lost is later found, it will help the police to identify it if it's been 'property marked' with your postcode. Your local police will have more information about this. It will also help the police if you know the phone's IMEI number. This is a 15-digit serial number that is unique to every mobile phone. It can usually be found on a label behind the battery.

Taking care in public with a mobile phone - advice for children

• Avoid drawing attention to your phone. When you're out and about, try to stick to texting rather than calling. If you do make calls, don't talk too loudly and maybe use a hands-free earpiece.
• Keep your phone hidden and separate from your other valuable things. An ideal place to keep it is in your inside jacket or coat pocket.
• Never leave your phone where you can't reach it quickly and don't lend it out to strangers or people you don't know very well.
• It's more difficult for someone to grab your phone from you if you hold it firmly when you're making calls.
• Stay alert. Don't become so caught up in talking or texting or playing a game that you aren't aware of what's going on around you.
• Try to keep to well-lit areas when you are out and about. Before using your mobile phone, look around you to make sure it's safe.
• Switch the ring tone off and use a vibrate alert instead. You can also let calls go straight through to your voicemail and ring or text back at a time when you feel safer.
• Your personal safety is much more important than your mobile phone. Remember that you can always get another phone if you need to.