Dear Parent/Guardian,

I have received the following advice from our Crime Prevention Officers to share with you.

Mobile Phones - Out of Sight is Safer!

Young people are especially vulnerable to mobile phone theft. Often the offences occur after school hours as children are travelling home from school.

Our advice is simple - ' Out of Sight is Safer'.

Is it essential that you child takes their mobile phone to school? 

If so please ensure they follow this advice:-

• Make essential calls from a safe environment - ideally before leaving school premises. 
• Avoid using the mobile phone in public areas or where you feel unsafe.
• When using your mobile phone remain aware of you surroundings.
• Always use your phone’s security lock code or PIN number.
• Keep a secure record of the 15 digit IMEI number which can be found on the box, under the battery or by keying *#06# into your phone.
• Register your phone details on www.immobilise.com it’s free, quick and easy.
• Property mark your phone using UV pen with your postcode and door number.
• Report a lost or stolen phone to the police immediately.
• Inform your service provider if your phone is stolen or lost.

In addition, you can help police locate your stolen mobile device and potentially identify suspects by using relevant applications. Please refer to your mobile phone to see if such an application or function exists. For example:-

Find My iPhone - http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/find-my-iphone-setup/

BlackBerry Protect - http://uk.blackberry.com/services/protect/

Please discuss this issue with your child and above all remind them that their personal safety comes first. Further specialist advice can be obtained from Redbridge Police Crime Prevention & Problem Solving Office on 020 8554 9264.

If you see anything suspicious, call the police - dial 999. Non urgent enquiries can be made through the switchboard on 101.

If you have information about stolen mobile phones or any other crimes please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can call anonymously.