Barclay Communications

    * Read what to do now to make life easier if your mobile is stolen

    * How to increase your mobile phone security and reduce the risk

    * What do to if your mobile is stolen – emergency numbers to call

According to UK government crime statistics about 700,000 mobile phones were stolen in the past year. Many mobile phone owners have no mobile phone security in place. Following these top 10 phone security tips should reduce the risk of you falling victim to mobile phone crime.

1. Hide your mobile phone from view

Keep your mobile phone out of sight when not in use and never leave it unattended in a public place. Don’t display mobile phones in an unattended vehicle - 50% of all mobile thefts are from vehicles. If thieves can’t see your mobile, they won’t steal it.

2. Mark your mobile phone with UV

Use an ultraviolet (UV) pen to security mark both the battery and inside the battery cover of your mobile phone with your postcode and either house number or first two initials of your house name.

3. Use the keypad lock

Use your mobile handset’s security lock (Pin) code, ideally set to automatically activate after, say, 5 minutes of inactivity, as this will stop thieves being able to use it. See your mobile phone manual for how to set the security lock, and don’t leave the Pin as the default setting for your model of mobile handset, as this will compromise your mobile phone security.

Some smartphones have secure alternatives to Pin codes, and the Google Android G1 requires users to create their own pattern on a grid of nine dots.

4. Register your mobile phone at www.immobilise.com

Register your mobile phone free at www.immobilise.com, as this enables police to return stolen property. And if your mobile phone is stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible, although this only adds your mobile phone to the stolen phone register and gets you a crime number. Blocking a mobile phone means that even if the SIM card is changed, the phone will no longer work on any UK network, so will be useless to thieves.

To get your stolen or lost phone blocked across all networks, you must immediately phone your network provider using the numbers below. Write the number down, and keep it with you on a separate piece of paper, rather than in the phonebook of your mobile phone. Alternatively you can call the Immobilise recorded helpline on 08701 123 123 which will give you the relevant number for your network.

    * BT Mobile 08000 322 111

    * Fresh Mobile 0870 111 5000

    * O2 0870 241 0202 if bought from an O2 store, or 0870 600 3009 if bought online or by phone. PAYG: 08705 678 678

    * Onetel 0845 818 1100

    * Orange Contract: 07973 100 150. PAYG: 07973 100 450

    * T-Mobile 0845 412 5000 or if outside the UK +44 7953 966150

    * Tesco Mobile 0845 301 4455

    * Three 08707 330 333

    * Virgin Mobile 0845 6000 789

    * Vodafone 08700 700191, or 191 from a Vodafone mobile, or if outside the UK +44 7836 191 191

Your mobile service provider is unlikely to cover you for calls made before you tell them. It's a common misconception that your mobile service provider will automatically cover you for the cost of phone calls made after a phone is stolen but before you report the theft.

5. Mobile IMEI number

Keep a note of your mobile phone’s unique 15-digit IMEI number. This is usually printed under the phone battery, or can be accessed by keying *#06# into most phones. If a mobile phone is stolen, the IMEI number helps your mobile service provider block the phone.

6. Mobile phone insurance

Decide whether to pay for mobile phone insurance. Depending on the type of handset you have it may be cheaper to replace it in the event of theft or damage, rather than paying insurance premiums.  If you do pay for mobile handset insurance and your phone is stolen, make sure you report it within 24 hours as most insurers insist on this as part of the policy terms and conditions.

7. Mobile phone viruses and worms

The good news for mobile phone security is that mobile phone viruses and malware haven’t become widespread… yet. Since the Cabir virus emerged in 2004, outbreaks of mobile phone viruses have been rare, although some mobile operating systems such as Symbian 60 have been vulnerable to worms that are transmitted by SMS text messages purporting to be from users’ friends, and which rely on social engineering to spread.

To stay safe, if in doubt, don’t click on links in SMS or emails on your mobile. If you’ve got an iPhone or other smartphone with full mobile internet access, be especially aware of the risks of opening attachments or clicking on links to potentially malicious websites.

8. Restrict your Bluetooth usage

Turn off Bluetooth when not using it. Bluejacking, where people nearby send anonymous messages to other phone users who've left Bluetooth switched on, is essentially harmless, but an invasion of your privacy, plus Bluetooth can drain mobile battery power.

9. Block premium calls and texts from your mobile

Minimise the charges that criminals can rack up - mobile operators let you put a block on calling premium rate 09 numbers or texting premium rate short codes like (88888). So if you don't call premium 09 numbers or use premium text numbers such as those used for voting in reality TV shows, get them blocked by your mobile provider.

10. Keep your mobile phone updated

Make sure your mobile phone’s firmware (operating system) and browser are updated to the latest version and patched with any security upgrades. Check out your handset manufacturer’s website for updates and downloads which could increase your phone’s security.

If you have any questions about your mobile phone security please contact the team at Barclay Communications on 0845 450 4650 or email info@barclaycomms.com