Thousands of mobile phones are being stolen every month in the United Kingdom. Young people are especially vulnerable, but by taking a few simple steps you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim:

Always use your phone's security lock code or PIN number.

• Security-mark the battery and phone with your postcode and street number or the first two letters of your house name. For more information on security marking, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
• Register your phone with the operator. If you report your phone stolen, the operator should then be able to bar further use of your phone.
• When using your phone, remain aware of your surroundings and do not use it in crowded areas or where you feel unsafe. 
• Avoid displaying your phone in public. Keep it with you at all times and do not leave it unattended.
• The 15-digit serial or IMEI number helps to identify your phone and can be accessed by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking behind the battery of your phone. Make a note of this number and keep it separate from your phone, as this number could help the police to trace ownership quickly if it is stolen. 
• You can also register your phone free at Immobilise. You can do this by visiting this website and entering your contact details and your mobile phone's IMEI number. If your phone is then lost or stolen, they can then block both your SIM card and phone. If the phone is found by the police they will be able to trace the owner through Immobilise.

If your phone is stolen

• Report the theft to the police and as soon as possible. They will want the following details: phone model details; phone number; and serial/IMEI number (if you have it). 
• Contact your service provider immediately, giving the number of the phone. The network operator will then identify the IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) for the handset and arrange for it to be blocked on their own, and all other, networks. This means that even if the SIM card is swapped the phone will still be useless.