Herts Police are reminding the public to keep their mobile phones secure and registered on www.immobilise.com.
Earlier in the month, the county saw a number of thefts of mobile phones from cafes, restaurants and bars where people were distracted by an offender who then took their phone.
Whilst these incidents have reduced, there are still a number of mobile phone thefts across Hertfordshire and police are reminding the public of three key things to keep in mind:
- Register your phone for free on www.immobilise.com
It could help your phone to be returned to you if it gets lost or stolen. - Keep your phone safe
Don’t leave it in your car, in an open handbag or pocket and never leave it unattended in a public place, even for a second. - If it gets stolen, block it immediately
If you are unlucky enough to have your phone stolen, let your phone operator know immediately and they can block the phone so that a thief can’t use it – and also report it to police.
Unfortunately some people are tempted to report their mobile as stolen when they know they have lost it instead – false reporting is a crime. This is an offence and, where there is evidence, police will prosecute. Prior to reporting your mobile as stolen to police, you will be asked to make a declaration that you understand the consequences of making a false claim.
Posters with the numbers of mobile phone operators are now displayed in most station receptions and are available on the police website – search for ‘mobile phone security’.
If you report your phone as stolen to the police, officers need the serial number, known as the IMEI number, of your handset to be able to fully investigate the offence.
The IMEI is a unique 15 digit number assigned to the handset at the point of manufacture. It will be placed on a national database to which all UK police have access. If you don’t have IMEI number to hand, it will be on the box the phone came in or you can obtain it from your network operator. The best way is to register it for free on www.immobilise.com, that way you have an online record of number and police can return it to you if it gets lost or stolen.
You must also ask your operator for the handset and SIM card to be blocked so they don’t work any more.
For more information and to view the source article please visit www.herts.police.uk