How to protect yourself against mobile phone muggers
The Metropolitan Police offer the following advice on how to keep safe, and what to do if you are mugged for your phone. Print out and keep in a safe place!
Trust your instincts. Don't put yourself in situations where you feel at risk. If you have a 'funny feeling' about something, act quickly to get yourself to safety.
- Don't use your phone when you don't feel comfortable doing so. It may make you a target for muggers.
- Keep valuables out of sight and try to avoid quiet, badly-lit areas. Keep your keys and bus pass in your pocket so you don't have to fumble about in your bag to find them.
- Make sure someone knows where you are, whether it's night or daytime.
- Be aware of who is around you. Muggers may follow you from a crowded bus stop until you are in a quieter area.
- To make sure the police can identify your phone if it is stolen. Record your phone's unique ID number. To find it, key in *#06# and the number will appear.
- If you are attacked, remember, your safety is more important than your phone. The mugger could have a knife and fighting may put you in danger.
- Tell the police as soon as possible, dial 999 if you need to. Officers may drive you around to see if the attacker is still in the area.
- Try and get a good description of your attacker. Note their height, build, colouring and distinguishing features like tattoos.
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