As we start the Communications Badge, our first meeting was on Mobile Phones. I hope that the Scouts found it useful and informative. Below are the notes that I prepared regarding Mobile Phone Safety.
It’s worth knowing that as many as 10,000 mobile phones are stolen every month. Two thirds of the victims are aged between 13 and 16 (the next common group are people who have their phones stolen from cars).
1. Don’t flash your mobile about.
Even a “cheap” mobile phone is worth money. Phone companies heavily discount phones and make their money back when people use their network to send and receive calls, texts, emails etc (Do you really think it only costs £40 to make your phone?). Additionally, phones can do so much more now than ever before, so having your phone stolen could mean more to you than just a piece of electronics. So simply, keep it hidden away.
2. Think where you are when you make/receive your call.
This follows quite neatly from the previous tip. If you have to get your phone out think – does this put me at risk? It may cost you something, but consider the bluetooth headset – at least you’re not showing what your phone is. Alternatively, if you are somewhere risky, allow the phone to go to Voicemail.
3. Use the Keypad Lock
This will prevent you from accidently pressing keys – and either deleting your contacts or phoning your friend Alan Armstrong at 3 in the morning. Some phones can be set so you have to enter a PIN code before it will unlock – and if your phone has that function, use it – it makes it less useful to thieves.
4. Find your mobile IMEI Number
This code is unique to your phone. You can get it by typing * # 0 6 # (no spaces) on most phones. You might also find it under the battery. If you should lose your phone, your network provider can then block usage (this will then render the phone useless, even if the thieves swap the SIM card).
5. Register your phone at www.immobilise.com
This is a free service offered by the police. Should you lose your phone / or have it stolen it will enable them to return it to you if they retrieve it. The web sit will also give you the numbers for your phone network, so you can phone them to get the phone blocked.
6. Don’t put your phone in the same bag as your coke bottle.
This is more of an “if you can avoid” rather than don’t. It is sometimes possible to get a phone working after it has suffered some water damage (but you need to act quickly). However, coke and fizzy drinks will leave a sticky goo on the phones making it next to impossible to sort out. There are water stickers in the phone which change colour if they get wet, so the companies can tell why it “suddenly stopped working”.
7. don’t let strangers use your phone.
Sounds simple, but people do fall for this.
8. Mark your phone with a UV pen
Some families have an Ultra Violet (UV) pen to mark their personal property. If you have one, mark the phone and the battery.
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