Be smart in ensuring that you and your phone stay together

Since 2019, there have been 11,488 thefts of mobile phones reported to An Garda Síochána. With the cost of the average smartphone reaching hundreds of euros, they have become an attractive item for many criminals.

Financial loss aside, victims can also feel violated or vulnerable loosing information such as personal photographs and private details. These thefts generally occur in busy public places such as pubs, nightclubs and coffee shops, but thefts from cars was also quite prevalent when owners leave their handsets to go for walks or runs.

Therefore, when out and about, keep your mobile phone out of public view when not in use and always be streetwise and aware of your surroundings. Always enable the PIN security feature on your phone. It’s also important to note the IMEI number of your phone – this is a unique identification or serial number that all mobile phones and smartphones have.

The 15 digit IMEI number can be found easily by dialling *#06# into your keypad. If your phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to An Garda Síochána and your service provider in order to have your IMEI number blocked so that the phone cannot can’t be used. A good tip is to screenshot your IMEI and email it to yourself under the subject title IMEI – then you’ll always have it.

An Garda Síochána recover many stolen mobile phones each year while carrying out their policing duties. However, difficulty often arises when trying to find the owners of the phones, as many phones look visually the same in the absence of any distinguishing features.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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