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Mobile phone crime

 
Government figures show that as much as half of all street crime involves mobile phone theft. In nearly two thirds of these cases, the mobile phone is the only item taken.

Fight phone theft

You can help fight mobile phone crime by registering your phone with the National Mobile Phone Register, a national police database. Police can use the database to trace a phone to its rightful owner, whether it has been reported as lost or stolen.

By registering your phone, you have a better chance of getting it back. You will also be helping police track down phone thieves and bring them to justice. As more people register their phones, the register will grow more effective in helping the police fight phone crime.

Register your phone for free at the Immobilise Phone Crime website.

Report lost or stolen phone

If your phone is lost or stolen, call your mobile operator/provider immediately to report it, or phone the Immobilise helpline 08701 123 123.

If your phone is registered, you should also report the theft or loss on the Immobilise Phone Crime website.

Serious problem

Mobile phone theft is a serious problem, and it is not likely to go away. Police have identified mobile phones as highly attractive to thieves as they are 'craved':

  • concealable
  • removable
  • available
  • valuable
  • enjoyable
  • disposable
Young people are particularly at risk. And as phones start to offer more features – such as the ability to pay for goods and services – losing your phone to a thief may cost you more than you think.

Register your mobile phone now

A to Z of Services

National Mobile Phone Crime Unit

Useful links