West Yorkshire Police are highlighting a recent spike in thefts of purses, wallets and phones, usually stolen in distraction style thefts. Police are encouraging people to take simple steps to avoid becoming a victim.
Anyone who becomes a victim faces the expense and inconvenience of replacing the stolen items along with the heartache of losing treasured photos, videos and others items.
You can guard against becoming a victim of theft by:
- Always securing zips and fastenings on bags and pockets.
- Never leaving bags, mobile phones, coats and other valuables unattended.
- Avoiding advertising your valuables to would-be thieves.
You can also protect your mobile phone by:
- Downloading a tracking app.
- Insuring it, and recording the IMEI number.
- Saving all your contacts, in and address book or on a computer.
If you do become a victim of such a theft here’s a short checklist of things to do:
- Contact your Bank and cancel/block your cards immediately.
- Track your phone via tracking apps.
- Consider blocking the phone via other devices.