Mobile Phone Security Advice
Mobile Phone crime is one of the fastest increasing crimes in the county. There is plenty you can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of phone crime.
Every year in the UK hundreds of thousands of phones are stolen. It sounds unbelievable, but it is true. 3,371mobile phone thefts reported to Wiltshire Constabulary between April 2002 and March 2003.
Your phone is a valuable item. When your are out be aware of your surroundings and don’t use your phone in crowded areas or where you might feel unsafe. Stay alert. See the information on personal safety.
Record your International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI) and your phone number. Keep these in a safe place separate from your phone. You can get your IMEI number (15-digit serial number) by keying *#06# into most phones or by looking behind your phone battery. To block your lost or stolen phone across every network, you should call your own network operator, service provider or 08701 123 123. They will be able to deactivate your SIM card and handset so that it will not work on any UK network. Even if the SIM card has been changed, your lost or stolen handset will no longer work. You should also contact your local police station, or the police station nearest to where the theft or loss took place, and inform them of what happened.
Report the number of your stolen phone to your network operator and the police as quickly as you can. It can then be cancelled immediately like a stolen credit card.
Network |
Contract |
Pre-Pay |
| Orange | 07973 100150 | 07973 100451 |
| Vodafone | 07836 191191 | 08700 776655 |
| O2 | 08705 214000 | 08705 678678 |
| T-Mobile | 0845 412 5000 | |
| Virgin Mobile | 0845 6000 789 | |
| 3 | 07782 333333 |
If you are caught re-programming a mobile phone handset IMEI number, or supplying or offering to supply this service to others you risk being prosecuted under The Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act 2002.
This law means that changing or interfering with a mobile phone handset IMEI number or possessing, supplying or offering to supply equipment for this purpose is a criminal offence. These offences carry a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, or an unlimited fine, or both.
If you know who has taken your phone, or have any information about anyone involved in criminal activity, please call Crimestoppers anonymously.
If you are receiving unwanted calls, make a note of the time and contact your network supplyer. For more information, read the section on The telephone on the Home Security page.
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