A recent article in the Evening Standard quotes 170 iPhones stolen every day in London.
"...a total of 28,800 iPhones were reported stolen to police in London in six months between April and September this year.
Police say iPhones now make up more than half of all mobile phone thefts in the capital.
In the same period a total of 56,680 mobiles were stolen in the capital, or around 337 a day.
Thieves are also targeting people with Blackberry phones and other popular makes such as Samsung."
"There were reports of thefts in Bloomsbury and Islington."
HV knows of a snatch theft outside the ITN building in Grays Inn Road.
Police advice includes not using your phone as soon as you leave a tube station - this is a popular hot spot for thieves. If you need to use your phone, hold it in your hand furthest away from the road. Do not use your phone and walk near the kerb. Do not text and walk at the same time.
The Met Police have an excellent crime prevention website:
Mobile phone
As many as 10,000 mobile phones are stolen every month. Two thirds of the victims are aged between 13 and 16. Many phones are also stolen from unattended cars. Here are some practical measures you can take to keep your mobile phone safe.
Remember to...
- to register your mobile phone at www.immobilise.com
- keep your phone out of sight in your pocket or handbag when not in use
- use your phone's security lock code, if it has one
- record details of your electronic serial number (ESN) and consider separate insurance
- some phones have an IMEI number which is a unique identifier for the phone; you can obtain this number by typing *#06# (star hash 06 hash) into your mobile phone and it will display a 15 digit number
- property mark your phone with your postcode and door number to help police identify stolen ones
- report a lost or stolen phone to the police immediately
- inform your service provider if your phone is stolen or lost
Don't...
- attract attention to your phone when you are carrying or using it in the street
- park in isolated or dark areas
- leave your phone in an unattended car - if you must, lock it out of sight. It only takes seconds for a thief to smash a window and steal your phone.
By taking these simple precautions, you can protect your phone.
If you see anything suspicious, call the police - dial 999.
Watch Out, Take Care and Stay Safe.