Gardai are launching a new campaign to highlight the increasing problem of mobile phone theft.
Over 12 thousand phones - worth an estimated five million euro - were stolen from people during the last year.
It represents an increase of 33 per cent on the figures for the previous 12 months.
More than one thousand people were arrested for stealing smartphones over the last year.
Gardai say leaving a phone unattended is the equivalent of leaving €500 in cash on a bar counter.
Sergeant Alan Roughneen - from the National Crime Prevention Unit - says people need to be more vigilant:He says there are simple steps that people can take to locate their phone in the event it its stolen:Gardai recommend that people take the following steps to reduce the chances of their mobile phones being stolen:
- Register your mobile/smart phone with your Service Provider
- Take note of your unique IMEI number for your mobile/smart phone and store it in a location other than your phone. If your phone is stolen, the IMEI number is used to disable your phone. The IMEI number for your phone is located on the back of your phone underneath the battery or by dialling *#06# on your keypad
- Enable the PIN Security feature and keep your phone locked at all times
- When out and about, keep your phone out of public view, be streetwise and always be aware of your surroundings
- Never leave your phone behind in an unattended vehicle
- Property mark your phone with unique letters or numbers
- Avoid making calls or texting while crossing the road
- If making or receiving a call in public, always do so with your back up against the wall or a shop window etc so that you can see around you and reduce the opportunity to be attacked from behind
- If you have a smart phone, consider downloading a location finder App
- If your phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to An Garda Síochána and contact your Service Provider with your IMEI in order to have your number blocked
