Category Archives: Mobile Phones

Immobilise, Mobile Phones, Uncategorized

The Growing Menace of Phone Snatch Theft and How to Protect Yourself

In today’s world, smartphones have become indispensable—they are our communication hubs, navigation tools, and often, our wallets!

They are often our most valuable personal possessions, always with us and frequently on display. This makes them prime targets for phone snatch thefts, a crime that is on the rise. Thieves target individuals in crowded places, using stealth and speed to steal phones before the victim realises what’s happening.

In this blog, we’ll explore common phone snatch theft scenarios, offer practical advice on how to protect yourself, and explain what to do if it ever happens to you.

Understanding Phone Snatch Theft

Phone snatch theft is a crime of opportunity. Thieves often target individuals who are distracted—walking while texting, standing on the street using GPS, or sitting in a café with their phone on the table. These criminals are quick and can easily disappear into a crowd or speed off on a motorbike before the victim has a chance to react.

Male Thief Riding On Bicycle Snatching The Mobile Phone From Woman’s Hand Walking On Street

Common scenarios include:

  • Public Transport: Thieves may snatch phones from the hands of unsuspecting passengers while they are entering or exiting buses, trains, or trams.
  • Busy Streets: Walking while using your phone can make you an easy target for thieves who can grab it and disappear in seconds.
  • Cafés and Restaurants: Phones left on tables or held loosely can be taken by thieves who pose as customers.
  • Motorbike Drive-By: Thieves on motorbikes often target pedestrians using their phones close to the road, grabbing the device and speeding away.

The Impact of Phone Theft

Losing a phone is more than just losing a device. The contents of a smartphone—personal data, photos, banking information, and more—are often irreplaceable and can lead to further issues like identity theft. Moreover, the emotional impact of being targeted in such a crime can leave victims feeling vulnerable and anxious.

How to Protect Yourself

While phone snatch theft is a real threat, there are several precautions you can take to minimise your risk:

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always be conscious of where you are and who is around you. Avoid using your phone in areas where you feel unsafe or in environments that are crowded and chaotic.

2. Use Your Phone Discreetly
Try to keep your phone out of sight when not in use. When using your phone in public, hold it securely with both hands and close to your body, making it harder for someone to grab it.

3. Avoid Walking and Using Your Phone
If you need to check your phone, stop in a safe, well-lit area, preferably away from the edge of the pavement or street. Walking and using your phone distracts you, making you an easy target.

4. Invest in Anti-Theft Accessories
Consider using anti-theft phone cases, wrist straps, or phone lanyards that make it harder for thieves to snatch your phone easily.

5. Use Your Phones Anti-Theft Features
Enable ‘Find My Phone’ or Android’s equivalent, to help locate your device if it is stolen. Additionally, set up strong passwords, biometric locks, and remote wipe options to protect your data.

6. Don’t Leave Your Phone Unattended
Never leave your phone on a table in a café, restaurant, or bar, especially near the edge. Keep it in your pocket or bag, or hold it in your hand if necessary.

7. Be Cautious on Public Transport
On public transport, avoid using your phone near doors where a thief could grab it and exit quickly. Keep your phone in a secure pocket or bag when not in use.

8. Stay Alert to Suspicious Behaviour
If someone is acting suspiciously or getting too close to you, be cautious. Trust your instincts and move to a safer location if necessary.

9. Note Down Your Phone’s IMEI Number
You can access your IMEI by typing *#06# on your phone’s keypad. The unique 15-digit number can help track down the phone if it’s stolen.

10. Register Your Phone on Immobilise.com
Registering your phone increases the chances of it being identified and returned if it’s ever stolen. Our easy guide shows you how: Register a Mobile Phone (Immoblise.com).

What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen

If you do fall victim to phone snatch theft, act quickly:

  • Report the theft to the police immediately, providing details of where and how it happened.
  • Use tracking apps like ‘Find My Phone’ to try and locate your device. Remember not to confront criminals yourself—always let the police handle it for your safety.
  • Notify your mobile provider to suspend your service and prevent unauthorised use.
  • Change all your passwords for apps and services linked to your phone, especially for banking and social media accounts.
  • Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
  • Report the theft as soon as possible on your Immobilise account.

Phone snatch theft is a distressing crime that can happen to anyone. However, by staying vigilant and taking some basic precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Remember, your safety is paramount—no phone is worth endangering yourself. Stay aware, stay secure, and keep your phone protected.

Stay safe and keep connected responsibly!

Bicycles, Crime, Immobilise, Immobilize, ImmobiTag, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Report My Loss, Students

Safe And Sound: How To Have A Secure Festival Experience This Summer

Summer has finally arrived, and that festival you’ve been eagerly awaiting is just around the corner!

The UK is a nation of festival-goers. A study by UK Music shows that over 37 million people attended UK festivals and concerts in 2022!

Festivals are all about letting go and having a blast, but with so many people around, they come with unique security challenges.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning travel and other logistics that you might forget about securing your valuables.

Phones top the list of at-risk items at UK festivals, with over one in ten festival goers having lost, damaged or had a device stolen.

As with anything, planning is key to having a great time without any nasty surprises. Fortunately, there are steps you can take before and during the event to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Friends making selfies at the summer festival

Before you go…

Here are our top tips for securing your possessions before heading off to soak up the vibes.

  • Mark & register your valuables. Almost all of us will take a phone to an event, and it’s crucial to register it before you set off. Dial *#06# on your handset to reveal the 15-digit IMEI number(s) on the screen. Create an account on Immobilise.com and register the device’s make, model, IMEI, and serial numbers. It only takes a few minutes and is completely FREE. Add other identifiable marks using a UV pen or an asset label for an extra layer of security. Should you lose your phone and it is found, this will help the authorities return it to you. If you are taking other devices, such as a smartwatch or camera, register these as well.

  • Note important details. Write down the contact details for a friend and a family member you can reach, including your phone’s provider and your bank account information, in case you need to cancel cards or report the loss or theft of your phone. Keep these details on a piece of paper in a safe place—separate from your phone!

  • Check your travel insurance policy. If you have one, review it. You might be covered for trips in the UK lasting more than two nights, but ensure it includes tent stays.
    Additionally, consider personal possessions insurance. Check for policy exclusions or excess payments. This is often an add-on to contents insurance, so verify if you already have it with your home insurance.

  • Check if the venue is cashless. If not, use on-site cashpoints rather than carrying large amounts of cash.

When you’re there…

Following a few basic rules will help you enjoy the experience and keep yourself and your belongings safe.

  • Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t store them in outer pockets; instead, keep them in a secure location like a zippered pocket or money belt.

  • Use lockers if available. Some festivals offer free lockers where you can store items that might be targeted by thieves, like bikes or car keys.

  • Keep valuables to a minimum. If possible, leave your valuable phone at home! Consider taking an older phone instead of your latest model. Phone theft is common at festivals, so if you must take your phone, protect it with a passcode and turn on location tracking such as ‘Find My iPhone’. Additionally, consider using a crossbody lanyard case, making it much harder for someone to snatch it from you. Check out the latest phone lanyards of 2024 in the review below: Top 10 Best Phone Lanyards in 2024 – FindThisBest (UK)

  • Protect your phone. Use a waterproof cover to prevent damage from spills, being dropped in a puddle, or even a pint!

  • Secure valuables at night. Keep wallets, phones, cameras, car keys, etc., at the bottom of your sleeping bag where they’re inaccessible to others.

  • Be mindful of your surroundings. In the moment, you could get separated from your friends in a crowd. Knowing the layout will help you get your bearings. Make a note of where festival staff or security points are.

  • Look out for each other. Whether it’s your friends or other festival-goers, stay vigilant. If you see someone struggling, offer support by alerting the event staff.

  • Consider using a safeguarding app. These allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.
    Examples include:
    Imabi Community: a free tool for real-time safety alerts.
    Imabi Guardian: a free personal safety app.

  • Have a meeting place. Agree on a spot to meet up if you get separated. Just having a plan can reduce stress.

Festivals are tons of fun, and with careful planning, you can relax and enjoy them to the fullest. Get ready for an unforgettable festival experience!

Audience with hands in the air at a music festival

For more great tips on festival safety, check out Festival Safe.  

Crime, Immobilise, Mobile Phones, NMPR, Police, Recipero, Students

Beware of Opportunistic Burglaries During Autumn & Beyond

As the vibrant tapestry of autumnal foliage and the seasonal festivities step into the limelight, we also bid farewell to the extended daylight hours as the clocks retreat. Regrettably, these darker evenings often offer opportunities for would-be burglars. Statistics unveil a noticeable uptick in burglary incidents as autumn ushers in, with the recent analysis of home insurance claims drawing a connection to the changing time.

It’s somewhat surprising that many homeowners remain oblivious to the heightened risks that this season brings. A recent survey led by Yale, a renowned authority in home security and the originator of National Home Security Month, disclosed that 62% of Britons harbour no more significant concerns about their home’s security in winter than in summer.

The seasonal transition presents the ideal time to evaluate your home security to ensure the safety of your property during autumn and beyond.

Step 1: Enhance Outdoor security

When fortifying your home’s security, it is prudent to examine your outdoor spaces. Your residence’s exterior is the first defence against potential intruders, and its condition sends a clear message about your commitment to security.

Start by assessing the illumination near your home during the darker hours. Poorly lit exteriors offer malefactors the cover they seek, making it paramount to keep your home’s frontage well-illuminated and visible.
Curiously, only 38% of Yale’s recent survey respondents reported using security lighting. Many homeowners could benefit from investing in outdoor motion sensor lighting or employing timers for indoor lighting to simulate occupancy during absence.

The gates enclosing your property represent another potential point of vulnerability for burglars. A neglected or corroded gate can signal lax security and easy access to your home. Ensuring the gate is in good condition is crucial, and fortifying it with high-quality padlocks from a reputable brand can provide an extra layer of security.

In addition to gate security, it is imperative to maintain sturdy fencing around your premises. Broken or missing fence panels can create chinks in your armour, so it’s advisable to replace or repair them for enhanced security.

Only 40% of respondents in Yale’s survey indicated using high fences to bolster home protection, which presents an opportunity for homeowners to enhance security.

A straightforward step to deter opportunistic criminals is securely storing tools and garden equipment. Housing these items in a garden shed or garage ensures they remain out of sight and out of reach. Investing in a cost-effective shed and garage alarm system can provide an added layer of protection.

Furthermore, the upkeep of well-groomed hedges, bushes, and shrubs can discourage burglars from using them for concealment. Pruning low-hanging branches and planting hawthorn bushes can create an additional barrier against potential intruders.

Step 2: Secure All Entry Points

Once you have fortified the exterior of your home, it is crucial to ensure that all locks around your property are in good working order. This includes door and window locks and padlocks on sheds and garages.

The front door is a common point of entry for opportunistic criminals, so it’s essential to have a robust cylinder lock. Consider opting for a 3 Star Cylinder, which offers the highest level of protection and displays its quality to potential intruders.

Additionally, regularly check the condition of window locks and ensure they remain locked, especially at night or when you leave your home.

Step 3: Safeguard Outbuildings

Beyond the security of windows and doors, prioritising the protection of garages, sheds, and outbuildings is equally vital. Ensuring these spaces are locked with high-quality padlocks represents a straightforward measure that safeguards valuable tools and equipment.

A recent survey uncovered that only 15% of respondents considered garage security a pressing concern. However, these areas often house valuable items, making it prudent to invest in their safeguarding.

Consider installing security cameras or a CCTV system to monitor your property and garden remotely for a more intelligent security solution. Modern smart security cameras offer convenient remote monitoring via smartphone apps, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

While only 20% of Brits currently use CCTV cameras in their gardens, these devices act as effective deterrents against opportunistic criminals, making them a good investment.

Step 4: Secure the Interior

Following the enhancement of security measures on the outside of your home and garden, it is imperative to secure the interior. A smart alarm system can be a superb addition to your home security setup. These alarms safeguard your home and can extend protection to your shed and other outbuildings.
Smart alarms offer features such as mobile notifications when triggered and remote control via smartphone apps, enabling homeowners to monitor their property from virtually anywhere.
Consider augmenting your security with indoor cameras for added peace of mind. These user-friendly devices facilitate remote monitoring of various rooms through smartphone apps, providing extra protection for your possessions and pets.

Step 5: Strengthen Community Bonds

While smart security systems are valuable, we can’t always be present to watch over our homes. Building solid relationships with your neighbours can be a valuable asset, as they are more likely to notice and report any suspicious activity in the neighbourhood.

In some cases, joining Neighbourhood Watch schemes in your local area can enhance collective security efforts, reduce crime rates, and monitor suspicious activity.

References:
Churchill Home Insurance, 2021
A poll of 2000 UK Adults (Nationally Representative) run by OnePoll, commissioned by Yale UK, 2022

CheckMEND, eBay, Mobile Phones

Staying Safe When Selling a Second-Hand Device Online

There’s a lot to love about selling on devices you no longer need. It’s better for the environment, it can boost your bank balance and you’re giving someone else the chance to get some enjoyment out of it, extending the lifetime of the device.

Selling your device privately – rather than trading it in or sending it to a recycler – could be a better option for you financially. There are plenty of second-hand marketplaces and auction sites available online for you to sell through. It might take a little bit more time though and it’s important to be savvy about who you’re selling to.

Let’s take a closer look at what you should consider when selling your device through an online marketplace.

1. Is the price right?

Your price needs to be competitive, without being so low that a buyer might question the legitimacy of the item. Take a look at other listings of the same model, in a similar condition, to see what a reasonable price might be. At this point, it’s also worth seeing how much a recycling site would offer you for the device, so you know whether it’s worth the extra time you’re putting in to sell the item instead.

2. Be a responsible seller

Remember that if you misrepresent the item, your buyer will be entitled to a full refund, so make sure you’re fair in your description of the item.

  • Does the phone switch on and work as it should?
  • Do the cameras and all of the buttons work?
  • Is the device still under warranty?
  • What physical condition is the item in – are there any scratches or cracks the buyer should be aware of?
  • What accessories are you including? Will you be selling it with the original charger, headphones etc?
  • Are the ports working, particularly the charging port?
  • How is the item’s battery health? (Not sure how to check? There are guides for both Apple and Android).

3. Who is your buyer?

Some online second-hand marketplaces have review systems in place so that users can rate their experience with a buyer/seller. Check your buyer’s ratings or reviews.

When it comes to payment, it would be best if your buyer paid via the marketplace’s official app, or PayPal (Goods and Services, not Family and Friends).

Also, as a side note to this, always stick to the selling platform for your messaging – don’t give out your phone number and don’t switch to texts or WhatsApp.

4. Offer a CheckMEND certificate

Trust is a two-way street. In the same way that you’ll be keen to sell to someone who seems trustworthy, any potential buyers will be vetting you too!

One way to build trust with potential buyers and reassure them that the item is being legitimately sold, is to display a CheckMEND certificate.

All you need in order to run a check is the IMEI number (for phones) or serial number (for all other devices).

By performing a real-time check against billions of records, the CheckMEND certificate gives a comprehensive picture of the device’s history, proving that the item is not fake or cloned, has not been reported as lost or stolen and is not subject to a settled insurance claim or being monitored by a corporation.

How to find an identifier >

Run a FREE check >

Find out more >

5. Take screenshots

Just in case anything goes wrong later down the line, keep a record of your listing, the buyer’s details, any message history and your transactions.

6. What to do when a sale goes wrong

If there is an issue with the sale, you should first try to resolve the problem with the buyer. Remember, if the item has been misrepresented, they are within their consumer rights to ask for a refund.

If there is anything you are unsure of, or you need more help with a problem, you can contact the Citizens Advice helpline in the UK or Fair Trading in Australia.

Immobilise, Lost Property, Mobile Phones

Festival Security: 5 Ways to Protect Your Valuables

37% of people have had a valuable item lost or stolen at a UK festival, costing an average of £146.35

– ComparetheMarket.com, 2022

1. Before you go, protect your belongings by registering them on Immobilise.com, improving your chances of getting them back if they’re lost or stolen.

2. Leave unnecessary valuables at home where possible. Some people even buy a cheap phone to take to festivals, leaving their more expensive handset safely back at home.

3. Keep your wits about you, especially when you’re in a crowd. Consider using a bumbag or money belt, instead of using a rucksack or keeping valuables in your pockets. If you do use a rucksack, wear it around your front in crowds.

4. Never leave valuable items in your tent when you’re not there. It’s worth checking whether there are secure lockers available to use instead. When you’re sleeping, keep valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

5. Check in advance whether traders will take card payments or whether the festival you’re going to is running a cashless scheme, where you can load your wristband with credit beforehand. This way, you’ll avoid the need to carry cash.

For more handy festival tips, particularly if you’re a first-time festival-goer, visit https://www.festivalsafe.com/information/

CheckMEND, Mobile Phones

Staying safe when buying a second-hand device online

Buying privately can save you more money than buying refurbished, but here are the things you need to check before buying a phone or device from an online marketplace or auction site.

Is it worth it?

Buying a device or mobile phone second-hand often works out much cheaper than buying brand new and it’s becoming a far more popular option for consumers looking to keep costs down. It’s also a much more environmentally-friendly purchase than buying new. Buying second-hand helps to keep e-waste down and considerably lengthens the lifetime of the device. It all helps to build a more sustainable, circular economy.

You can buy refurbished devices from retailers, or you can buy from an individual through one of the many second-hand marketplaces and auction sites available online.

Buying a refurbished device direct from a retailer can be the more straightforward option. The device will usually go through thorough checks before being offered for sale and come with a 12-month warranty period to cover any technical issues.

However, buying privately can often save you a lot more money than buying refurbished, particularly if you’re buying on an auction site and the bidding starts low.

The best time to buy is usually following the release of a newer model, as the second-hand marketplace suddenly floods with older versions, some of which would only have been released in the previous year!

Know before you buy

Consumer rights are different when you buy from a private seller – they don’t have to disclose any faults, but they aren’t allowed to misrepresent the item either. If they did, you would be entitled to a full refund.

Given this, it’s really important to do your research and check that the device is exactly what you’re looking for, to avoid disappointment when it arrives. You need to know exactly what you’re getting! Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions if there’s anything not covered in the item description.

Here are some things to bear in mind before you press the ‘Buy’ button.

  1. Check the phone’s condition:
    • Does the phone switch on and work as it should? (This is an obvious one, but it’s worth checking, just in case!)
    • Do the cameras and all of the buttons work?
    • Is the device still under warranty?
    • What physical condition is the item in – are there scratches on the device or any cracks in the screen? Ask for photos of any damage.
    • What accessories are included? Does the device come with the original charger, headphones etc?
    • Are the ports working, particularly the charging port?
  1. Check the battery health

Like all rechargeable batteries, phone batteries become less effective as the device gets older. The good news is your seller can check the device to tell you how effective the battery is, so you don’t get a nasty surprise when it arrives.

Replacement phone batteries vary in price with some being fairly inexpensive, so you may still decide to go ahead with the purchase if the battery capacity isn’t optimal, but you will at least be forewarned.

  1. Will the device receive updates?

Over time, smartphones can get ‘left behind’ by the manufacturer, when they no longer support the model with updates. Once a phone stops receiving crucial security updates, it can leave it open to hackers, so this is something to consider when buying an older handset, whether that’s through a private sale or through a second-hand retailer.

Which? has an online tool that lets you check whether a smartphone model is still receiving updates and even estimates when it may stop being supported.

  1. Research prices for similar second-hand devices online

If the price listed is much cheaper than others in a similar condition, it may well be too good to be true, so approach with caution.

  1. Who is the seller?

Some online second-hand marketplaces have review systems in place so that users can rate their experience with a buyer/seller. Check your seller’s ratings or reviews before buying from them.

When it comes to payment, avoid bank transfers as they offer you limited protection. Instead, you should:

  • Send the money via the marketplace’s official app, or
  • Use PayPal (Goods and Services, not Family and Friends), or
  • As a last resort, use your debit or credit card.

Also, as a side note to this, always stick to the selling platform for your messaging – don’t give out your phone number and don’t switch to texts or whatsapp.

  1. Take screenshots

Just in case anything goes wrong later down the line, keep a record of the listing, seller’s details, any message history and your transactions.

  1. Is the item legitimate?

Before parting with your hard-earned cash, you need to check that the item is genuine – that it is actually the model you’re looking for and not a fake, or cloned, device.

You will also want to know as much about the device history as possible – you don’t want to buy a phone that has been reported as stolen, or has had an insurance claim made on it, for example. If your seller doesn’t actually own the item, they can’t legitimately sell it and you can therefore never legally own the device, either.

So you’re looking for proof that the item is what the seller says it is and that they can legally sell it. This is where CheckMEND comes in, the world’s most comprehensive device check.

You can ask your seller for a CheckMEND certificate; they should be able to give you an ID for you to verify for yourself online. Or you can ask the seller for the IMEI* or serial number of the device; that’s all you need to check the item’s device history yourself.

A free check is available for all new users (£1.99 thereafter).

*The IMEI number is the phone’s unique identifier. It can be found by typing *#06# into the phone.

When your item arrives…

After all of your research and effort, hopefully you’ve bagged yourself a bargain and you’ll be very happy with your new device. It’s worth giving it a thorough check when it first arrives to make sure it’s everything you were hoping for and that it hasn’t been mis-sold to you.

  • Is the item as described?
  • Are all the accessories that were promised included?
  • Is everything in good working order?
  • Is the device charging properly? Charging ports can build up with dirt or lint which affects the connection, but they can usually be easily cleaned.

What to do when a sale goes wrong

If the item is different to what you were expecting in any way, you should first try to resolve the issue with the seller. Contact them as soon as you can after receiving the device and give them a deadline to respond to you. Remember, if the item has been misrepresented, you are within your rights to ask for a refund.

If there is anything you are unsure of, or you need more help with a consumer problem, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline in the UK or Fair Trading in Australia.

You can also contact Citizens Advice if you need to report a trader who is selling fake or counterfeit goods to Trading Standards.

Bicycles, Crime, eBay, Immobilise, ImmobiTag, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, Police, Recipero, Report My Loss, Students, Uncategorized

1 in 5 Students fall victim to property crime

It may surprise you that according to the National Union of Students, as many as one in five students fall victim to property crime whilst at college or university. 

Thieves know that student residences are full of expensive gear; laptops, tablets, phones, bikes and cameras provide rich pickings. In fact, the average break-in costs £900 to repair the damage and replace belongings.

A lot of theft is opportunistic – a few simple steps can be enough to make thieves think twice and move on. 

  • When you go out, make sure all windows and doors are locked. It’s an obvious one but double-check!
  • Check windows for vulnerabilities. Make sure they’re robust, secure and fitted with locks. If they’re not, speak to your landlord or letting agent. 
  • Don’t advertise your valuables to thieves. Ensure your valuables are not visible through windows. 
  • Register your possessions at Immobilise.com. It’s FREE and provides the simplest way to return your property if found after loss or theft. 
  • Keep your gate shut and bolted at all times. Ensure bins don’t make it easy for burglars to climb over walls or fences. 
  • Simulate occupancy with light timers or products like a FakeTV. 
  • Get insurance. It is tempting to save money, but it’s a false economy. Make sure it covers all your stuff. 
  • Bikes should be kept in the school’s designated areas and secured with a D-lock to an immovable object such as a ground-mounted loop. Don’t forget to register the bike at Immobilise.com

Registering your property at Immobilise.com is FREE. You can register property irrespective of any 3rd party labelling used; it’s all accepted!

AssetWatch, CheckMEND, Fraud, Mobile Phones

Beware of ‘Geeks’ Bearing Gifts – A New Type of Fraud

By Les Gray, COO of Recipero

Ok, so not everyone looking to part with valuable used consumer electronics is a ‘Geek’.  The proverb shamelessly mangled for this post’s title does neatly sum up a note of caution though – not everyone trying to sell you an item is acting honestly.

Mobile phones are undergoing a massive increase in fraudulent sales, reflecting a wide-ranging change in the marketplace for how phones reach consumers. Many companies are now providing new or refurbished phones on rental agreements. These are attractive propositions, enabling the consumer to obtain a cheaper handset for a lower monthly cost than the traditional network-subsidised model and the ability to upgrade or cancel almost at will.

The problem for traders with this market shift is the number of phones being fraudulently sold or offered as collateral for pawn or buy-back transactions is increasing rapidly.

The seller of such devices does not have legal title, so the trader cannot acquire legal title. The trader’s perceived security in the device is worthless.

Many traders check whether a phone is blocked on mobile networks. This check identifies a small subset of stolen phones reported to the networks. However, it amounts to shutting their eyes to the presence of loss and theft reports from police, insurers, the public and corporate owners.

Only CheckMEND has access to Recipero’s Crime Reduction Ecosystem, a massive collection of devices (not just phones) that are stolen or will become so if sold. Millions of devices are rightfully in possession of consumers but not owned by them, and they have no right to sell. The shift in market conditions has recently grown this class of phones by 10% month-on-month during 2022 and is accelerating, widening the already significant gap between network-blocked phones and stolen phones.

An analysis of 30,000 phones from one recent month’s trade, found over 1,000 stolen items valued at almost £200,000. Not a single phone was network blocked when offered for sale. Pawn or buy-back transactions may feel more secure as the customer often redeems the phone. However, 40% become blocked up to eight weeks after the transaction; plenty of time for the careless trader to resell the phone, only to have a disgruntled customer return when it stops working. Perhaps worse, that customer tries to sell their phone only to fail because of the stolen record—double trouble and cost for the unfortunate trader.  

CheckMEND is the only due diligence system compliant with the UK Recycler’s Code of Best Practice, and the above should clarify why. The world’s biggest companies that create markets for mobile phones trust us to track their property and detect and prevent its theft. Their trust in us is why CheckMEND’s due diligence service is both unrivalled and growing at an increasing rate.

Are you buying phones without running CheckMEND checks? Are you confident that you are doing enough? Contact us for a free, no-obligation analysis of historical transactions. Every stolen phone we identify that you’ve missed will have the corresponding information provided so you can take action on it to reduce the risk you’ve previously assumed.

Remember, network block checking is not the same as avoiding buying stolen property.

CheckMEND, CheckMEND USA, Crime, eBay, Fraud, Mobile Phones, Police

CheckMEND’s New Look

We thought it was about time CheckMEND had a revamp – we really like it and hope you do too!

The Recipero team have been working away on the new look behind the scenes for the last few months. The CheckMEND service remains the same as users are familiar with, while the design of the report has been simplified to make it easier to understand.

New users can claim a free device check report by registering an account, perfect for instances where someone is planning on buying a second-hand piece of tech and the seller doesn’t already have a CheckMEND certificate.

visit the checkmend site

We’re also really interested to hear about existing users’ past experiences with CheckMEND and have a survey open to all users, to help us to improve the service we offer.

Users who complete the 2-minute survey will be given 25% off checks until Friday 29th August 2022.

Take Survey
Immobilise, Mobile Phones

Festival Season: Police Advice to Glastonbury Fans

As festival-goers cheer the much-anticipated return of Glastonbury this week, Avon and Somerset Police have issued the following advice on personal property:

If you are bringing a phone, tablet or other electronic device to the festival, you are advised to protect it.

Anti-theft apps give us the best chance to find stolen electronics and most are free to download and quick to install.

We advise people to record the make and model of their valuables, if it’s a phone then note down the IMEI number and the account username and password of any tracking app.

You can also register your property (phone, tablet, camera, etc) on the Immobilise database. It takes only a few minutes and it’s free.

Festival-goers are reminded to be discreet with their valuables. Keep it out of sight such as in a front pocket if possible or in one of our free phone pouches, or leave it at the free property lock-ups. Keep it safe, keep it hidden.

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2022/06/information-and-advice-ahead-of-glastonbury-festival/

Glastonbury Festival, one of Europe’s largest music and arts festivals, takes place between June 22 and June 26, 2022. With more than 200,000 people on site each day at Worthy Farm in rural Somerset, the policing operation to help people stay safe at the festival is the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s calendar.

Festival-goers can stay up to date with news, photos and crime prevention advice on social media by following @policeatglasto on Twitter or Instagram.