Pin function on mobiles 'can help protect against loss'

14 May 2008

With recent research from CPP indicating that one in five 16 to 24-year-olds have been a victim of mobile phone theft, two experts have offered advice to help people minimise their risk.

John Walkley - head of CPP Phonesafe - and Mick McNally, detective superintendent of the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit, said that there are measures people can take to help protect themselves from losing data.

For example, Mr Walkley suggested that using the pin function to lock a phone can help limit thieves' access to information.

Mr McNally explained that in addition to using the pin lock, mobile owners should ensure they have access to the 15-digit IMEI number of the phone, which is located underneath the battery.

"If you tell the network that that is your number and it needs to be blocked, then it takes all of the value out of the mobile phone for the criminal," he explained.

They also recommended that mobile owners make sure they are aware of all the information that is stored on their phones.

For a great deal on your mobile phone, uSwitch.com can help. Not only can you choose from hundreds of handsets and price plans to find the best one for you, we also have plenty of advice, help and impartial information on the whole mobile world. Read our tips for keeping your mobile a crime free zone and see if you can get a great deal on your new mobile too.

Start switching

< Back to market news

© 2008 Adfero Ltd

Content for the uSwitch.com market news service is provided by a third party, Adfero Ltd. Whilst uSwitch.com makes reasonable efforts to check the reliability of this content, uSwitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy thereof or endorse the views or opinions given by Adfero Ltd, unless expressly stated otherwise.