Mobile phone security

If you plan to take your mobile phone on holiday, make sure it will work in your destination. Mobile phones work on several 'frequencies' and not all phones work with all frequencies.

Mobile phone theft is on the increase home or abroad. Protect yourself and your phone:

1. Register your phone with the airtime service supplier. This will allow them to call bar the phone if it is lost or stolen, saving your phone bill and even your unused credit on a prepay phone.
2. Make a note of the 15 digit IMEI number which is unique to your phone. This can be found by keying in *06# (star-zero-six-hash) or by looking behind the phones battery. With this, the mobile phone company can bar the phone - meaning that it cannot be used, ever.
3. Security mark your phone with with your postcode and house number using UV pen (available from DIY shops)
4. Register your mobile with the Mobile Equipment National Database (m-e-n-d.com) to increase your chance of a lost or stolen mobile being returned.
5. Read mobile phone insurance terms carefully before you take it out. If it won't cover you when you leave the phone on the bus, is it worth it? Also, check if you are already covered by home contents policy.
6. Always 'lock' your phone (password protect it) when you are not using it.
7. Never leave it unattended in a public place.
8. If you need to leave it in you car, lock it in the glove box or boot.
9. Don't make calls as soon as you leave a train or tube station and avoid using it in seedier areas.