Northumbria Police

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are stolen every day, mainly by opportunist thieves. Young people can be especially vulnerable. By taking a few simple steps you can prevent your phone going mobile without you:

• Always be aware when you use your phone. Make sure you use it when and where it is safe to do so and be aware of those nearby.

• Always make sure your phone is secure when not in use. Don’t leave it on show.

• Make sure your phone is marked and identifiable. Use permanent property marking techniques and mark the battery and the phone.

• When you buy your mobile phone, always register with the operator and note down your IMEI number, which is unique to your phone and can help you recover it. If you press *#06# on your phone its 15 digit IMEI number will be displayed. If your phone is lost or stolen and you’ve reported this reference number to the police, it can be placed on a lost or stolen database, which could lead to it being returned to you.

• Ensure you’ve used the phone's security lock code or PIN number.

• Record details of your phone.

Immobilise is a website supported by the Home Office dedicated to registering mobile phone details. You can register your mobile phone for free on the Immobilise website. This means the police are more likely to be able to return your phone to you if it’s lost or stolen. (You will need your IMEI number.)

Stolen or lost handsets

• Report a lost or stolen phone to your network provider immediately and get the IMEI number from them if you don't know it - you can call 08701 123 123 if you don't know your network's customer service number. Your network will block the phone, making it useless to the thief.

• You should also report a lost or stolen phone to the police as soon as possible, giving the mobile phone number, type of handset and IMEI number.

Please note that falsely reporting the theft of your mobile phone is a criminal offence for which offenders face prosecution for wasting police time and deception