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Carrying it around

If you're not making a call, make sure that your phone is hidden away. Keep it in a front pocket or inside a bag. Don't attach it to your belt or around your neck. Thieves are opportunists - don't make yourself an easy target.

Lots of people take their phones out of their pockets when they're sitting down. If you're out with your friends or at school don't leave your phone on a table as anyone walking by can easily run off with it.

Look around you

If you're making a call on your mobile in a public area, make sure you always keep an eye on what's going on around you. Thieves go to great lengths to get their hands on the latest handsets, so keep your wits about you.

You should also try and avoid using your mobile phone in public at night. If you do have to use your phone, try to find an area that's well-lit and if possible, avoid getting out your phone at train stations and bus stops, as these are areas that thieves target.

Securing your handset

It's always a good idea to write down the make and model of your phone, as well as your handset's unique identification number (IMEI number). This can be found behind the battery, or by dialling '*#06#' on your handset. Keep these details in a safe place and completely separate from your phone, as you'll need to give them to your service provider if your phone is lost or stolen.

Whatever model of phone you have, your handset has in-built security features that you can use to protect it. If you don't know how to use them, take a look at your phone's instruction manual.

For example, you can set up a pin number that you have to key in before you make a call. This stops anyone else using your phone and protects any personal details your have in your phone book or your text message inbox.

Register, Report, Reunite

Register

You can register the details of your handset with the National Mobile Phone Register. This will help the police to return your phone to you if it gets stolen. You should also register your phone's details with your network provider.

• The National Mobile Phone Register (opens new window)

Report

If your phone is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the police.

You should also contact your network provider. When you get through, tell them your phone has been stolen and they'll be able to block both the handset and the SIM card so that they can't be used any more.

Reunite

The police are cracking down on mobile phone thieves. This means they're more likely to recover your phone if it's stolen. If they do, and you've registered your phone, the police can reunite you with your phone.

More useful links

• Protecting your belongings
• Protecting yourself