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I wanted to provide an update regarding Mobile phone theft, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Ensure you keep a record of your phone's IMEI number in case your phone is stolen.
This is a 15 digit unique number which can be obtained by pressing *#06#. Some products may have this on the device or on the original packaging. You will need this information if your phone is lost or stolen.
Register your phone for free on a Secured by Design approved property registration database (www.securedbydesign.com). This helps police to identify you as the rightful owner and return your handset to you if lost or stolen.
Use security or PIN locks to protect your data and prevent the phone being used if stolen.
When not in use, never leave your phone unattended in a public place or vehicle.
Take particular care of your phone at bars, cafes, coffee-shops, restaurants and music venues - thieves are known to target these venues.
If using your phone in public, stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
Avoid using your mobile phone in public at night. If you do have to use your phone, try to find an area that's well-lit. Avoid getting your phone out at train stations and bus stops as these are areas that thieves target.
Never reply to spam messages you may receive over SMS or Bluetooth, even to text 'STOP'.
Consider installing a tracker application on your Smartphone, it could help trace your device if stolen. If your device is stolen, act quickly - inform the police and tell them you have a tracker app installed.
Beware buying a phone from anywhere other than a reputable outlet carries some degree of risk. If you do innocently buy a stolen phone, you can never acquire legal title.
Check any photograph of the sale - is it a stock photo? Ask for further pictures if in doubt.
Consider the price and check it against similar items and mobile phone recycler's valuations.
You should ask the seller for their name, the IMEI number of the phone, if it is locked to a network or not and if it has been modified in anyway. If the seller cannot provide these details, we would strongly advise you not to proceed with the transaction.
You can check the IMEI on a Secured by Design approved property registration database
Use an auditable payment method, such as cheque, credit transfer or PayPal to the named person. Do not pay into a third person's account as you lose control of the transaction.
Avoiding counterfeit phones
Research the phone. Check the manufacturer's website or a registered retailer to be familiar with models, features, software and hardware and compare them with your potential purchase.
Compare the appearance of the phone and check any photograph of the sale – is it a stock photo? Ask for further pictures if in doubt.
Consider the price and check it against similar items and mobile phone recyclers valuations.
Unlike genuine mobile phone manufacturers, black market phones rarely come with a warranty or offer customer servicing of damaged products.
You should ask the seller for their name and the IMEI number of the phone.
You can check the IMEI on a Secured by Design approved property registration database. This will return the make and model associated with the IMEI.
Check the IMEI on receipt if you decide to purchase the phone to ensure it corresponds to the numbers given.
If you purchase a handset, you should use an auditable payment method, such as cheque, credit transfer or PayPal to the named person. Do not pay into a third person's account as you lose control of the transaction.
If you've been offered or have bought counterfeit goods, report the matter to your local trading standards office (http://www.nationaltradingstandards.uk/) and local police.
 Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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