Mobile Insurance – Phone theft?
Mobile Phone theft - you know it exists - you know it happens - you've probably even heard numerous stories about people having their phones stolen in different situations...
You just REALLY hope it doesn't happen to you!
The trouble is 'hope' is not going to make it not happen.
There are some diligent steps you should take to help avoid having your phone stolen, but in addition to avoiding it, just in case the worst happens, make sure you have a cost-effective full-cover mobile insurance policy.
So what can you do to help avoid suffering from phone theft ?
To be honest, most of these are pretty obvious if you think about it (some are not so obvious) but just because they are obvious, dont stop yourself from doing them.
Also, we have to be realistic: Being overly cautious all your life is going to be pretty boring. Just take sensible care and enjoy your phone!
1. Choose a secure-ish pocket to always keep your phone in. The front right trouser pocket is a good option because this usually means the phone is slightly tight against your leg so you would feel anyone trying to pickpocket you. If you get into the habit of doing this, it also has the added benefit of this;
When your phone is not there your subconscious mind will nag you at the back of your mind and tell you it's missing.
2. Don't walk flamboyantly down the street chatting away on it, especially if
a) You have an expensive phone such as an iPhone, and/or
b) You're in a slightly rough area of town
According to recent Police reports, in 23 per cent of incidents victims were using their mobile phone or had it on display when it was targeted.
3. Similarly, if you have an iPhone or another recognisable expensive phone, dont use the headphones it came with - that is a big bill-board to potential thieves saying "Hey look, check it out - I've got this really expensive phone right here..."
4. As we said, make sure you have phone insurance.
5. Use an ultra violet property marker. Put your post code and house number underneath the battery and on the back of the battery itself
6. Be particularly aware in city centres. Police reports show phone theft is more prevalent in city centres.
7. Night time is particulary high-time for phone theft. Surveys show those aged 18 and over were targeted between 10pm and 6am (more phone robberies than other robberies occurred during the early hours of the morning).
8. Keep a record of the unique reference number (IMEI) on your phone. If supplied with this some networks can permanently disable the handset if it stolen. To get this, dial *#06#. Most phones will then display the 15 or 16 digit IMEI serial number.
9. Record the model, phone number and PIN number details. Keep them somewhere safe
10. Always use the phone’s security lock or PIN number
11.Register the phone with the Service Provider (if Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly). If the phone is reported stolen the SIM card can be blocked.
These prevenative measures should certainly reduce your chance of being the victim of phone theft - it wont make you completely safe. So that is why it is worth covering all bases;
A. Minimise your chances of phone theft, and
B. Have everything in place if you do have your phone stolen.
That will include backing up everything on your phone - and we mean everything - address book, text messages, photos - everything. Back it up in such a way that it is really easy to put it all back onto your new phone. You can store the backup on your computer and/or on a remote service such as zyb.com (which has a free service).
You also need to make sure you will be able to get a new phone again without having to pay massive amounts for a new phone - which is why we recommend you get yourself mobile insurance.
Please feel free to add your comments here - we welcome your questions or feedback
Is it safe to put your post card on the phone? Couldn't the thief use that to find your house?