Camera and purse theft used to be the most prevalent loss suffered by many tourists. Now it’s mobile phones! This writer has recently returned from a visit to parts of Europe and was much more cautious than in the past.
Sadly, these thieves will target females more, but anyone walking with a large phone (no pockets large enough:)) in their hands. staring at its screen – map reading – is a likely target. Whilst this writer is from a generation that was raised reading maps he welcomes the ease of modern navigation. Look at your online mapping and memorise the next few turns – it’s easy – tuck away the phone and walk on without it in your hands! DO NOT carry phone in your hand when moving about on the likes of the Paris Metro.
The following is an excellent summary provided by Ian Macintosh in Global Travel Media
Phone theft is booming all over the world, particularly in big cities like London. Here are some tips to keep your phone safe from regular overseas traveller Mick Symons.
Mr Symons has an extensive background in investigations, having served as a detective in the South Australia Police, finishing his police career as a chief superintendent. He is now the managing director of Anti-Corruption Consultants Australia.
1. Do not use your phone as you walk along, as you are exposing it to thieves. If you need it for directions, use buds to listen to audio. Do not have it out as you focus solely on the map.
2. Do not use it while sitting at an outside table at a restaurant or café. Likewise, please do not leave it on the table once you have finished using it.
3. Do not have it in your backpack with headphones attached, as it shows the thief where to slash your bag. Walk as close to the buildings as possible to avoid being robbed by thieves (a big problem in London).
4. Most important: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not continually focus on your phone.
5. Worst-case scenario. Back up your phone to the cloud regularly to ensure you can recover your data. Have a Find My Phone link (Apple) and know how to disable the phone if necessary.
According to UK-based CrimeStoppers, residents, workers, and visitors are increasingly victims of mobile phone snatching. Incidents of this type have increased by 151% in the last year.
Criminals often use bikes and mopeds to snatch mobile phones, and frequently, victims are approached from behind while talking or texting on their phones. 54% of phone snatches involve thieves using pedal bikes.
The criminals may mount the pavement to grab the phone or snatch it from the road. Sometimes when a moped is used, a pillion passenger will snatch it. They target busy streets, transport hubs and licensed premises.
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