Be smart with your phone warning

SOUTHSIDERS who were lucky enough to have found an expensive mobile phone waiting for them under the Christmas tree have been warned to be extra vigilant that it doesn’t get swiped.

Figures indicate that a shocking 1,000 mobile phones, the vast majority being smart phones, are stolen every month across the country.

Speaking on the publication by the Central Statistics Office of the Recorded Crime Statistics (Quarter 3 2013) before Christmas, the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, expressed concern at the increase of 3.6 per cent in the number of theft offences from the person and from shops.

“This trend has already been targeted by gardaí in a range of operational measures, as well as through prominent awareness raising campaigns that highlight smartphone and similar thefts,

? Minister Shatter said.

“However, I urge everyone to take great care with regard to where they keep their mobile phones, particularly over the holiday period.

“Don’t give an unintended present of your mobile phone to a thief. A great deal can be done by each of us to ensure our phones are safe.

“For example, never leave your phone unattended in your car. Also, when you are not using your phone, ensure that it is safe and secure in your pocket or handbag.

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The Minister added:

“Simple and straightforward precautions such as these can have a real impact in reducing mobile phone theft offence.

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Deputy Seán Crowe (SF) also called for extra vigilance over the festive season when there was an increased likelihood of mobile phone theft.

“Figures from this time last year suggest that over 12,000 mobiles, with an estimated value of e5 million were reported stolen in 2012,

? Deputy Crowe said.

“I would urge all mobile phone users to take extra care and to be vigilant.

“Everyone should try and take practical measures such as enabling the PIN security feature, downloading a location finder app, keeping your phones out of public view, not leaving the mobile in an unattended car, and reporting lost or stolen phones to the gardai.

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Deputy Crowe added:

“Mobile phones have become an increasingly important part of our everyday lives. Many wake up to their phone alarm, read the morning news from their device, listen to music on the bus, find their way to a nearby café at lunch, arrange social events and document those occasions with their phone camera.

“I think we have all mislaid, lost or had our mobile phone stolen.

“I would urge everyone to be extra careful and vigilant and to treat their mobile phones with the same care as any other extremely valuable item.

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