Loss/Theft of Mobile Phones
Posted by: Robertofgoodna
22nd Jun 2009 11:47pm
What are the best ways of preventing loss or theft of your mobile phone? I've lost 4 phones, 2 just sliding out of my pocket while I was asleep on the grass, one lifted from my belt holder by an "amorous stranger", and one stolen first by a friend's son, recovered, then stolen by a burglar (but thankfully recovered months later by Police charging a "fence"). I've also had two rechargers stolen.
You must be a member to reply to this chat topic. Click here to sign in.
Help Caféstudy members by responding to their questions, or ask your own in Café Chat, and you will get the chance of earning extra rewards. Caféstudy will match these and donate equally to our two chosen Australian charities.
Australian Marine Conservation Society are an independent charity, staffed by a committed group of scientists, educators and passionate advocates who have defended Australia’s oceans for over 50 years.
ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. Their trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well. The information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.
Comments 21
Anonymous
There is a great app on the Apple and Google Play store called "Lookout". You can make your phone scream even when it is on silent, track your phone's location and even take a photo of the person using your phone without them noticing that the camera is turned on!
Jondog
It is probably good if possible to put some sort of tracking program onto it. That means if you do lose it you are able to see where it is.
Kessa1959
I keep mine on a retractable cord which clips onto my belt. My husband has a belt pouch which he likes. It has a magnetic clip which he just flips up to access his phone and being a tradesman he uses his phone a lot.
Kessa1959
I keep mine on a ret
phoenix
bummer on the theft's
i have like others suggested a pocket, but it's a custom pocket (i sewed it on my trousers/shorts myself) it's double stitched and is closed using a button, so no matter how good a light finger thief is they will have a hard time of it getting to it, so like the other's say a secure pocket is the way to go
PGS
Could offer the most obvious option -
What you don't have, you can't lose.
:-)
I know, not appreciated.
There is a gizmo I've seen recently that goes on a keyring you can activate so the phone makes a noise.
Or you could call it from another phone.
pamsiwamsie
Well dont know about tying string to it, but worth a try. Here is a very good tip if you are out and have forgotten to charge your battery and it is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.
kazi
never had 1 stolen
PukPuk
I work in a high theft risk area and phones getting knocked off is an occupational hazard. I carry a second prepaid phone and use it to phone the other phone as soon as it goes. Have a record of 17 out of 17 arrests and charges from possession of a ringing phone not their own. But you have to be aware of your own possessions for it to work.
Robertofgoodna
I am sick of mobile phones. They are like women - you can't live with them, but you can't live without them.
Andy
Just get a cheap thirty dollar phone with some prepaid credit and use that whenever your out for the night were theres a good liklihood you could lose it. If you do end up losing it, no biggy, at least its not a $700 iphone.
Anonymous
right
lpullman
You just need to be more careful, mate!
My housemate lost 2 iphones in the space of six months (that's $1500 by my reckoning, ouch!). In the 15 years I've been carrying these horrible contraptions I've dropped one in a taxi and that was recovered within 2 hours.
First tip should be obvious: like you wallet, keep it in a pocket that's hard to get at and don't leave it lying around when you aren't carrying it. I keep mine in my top left shirt pocket and buttoned down if I'm doing anything that might make it fall out. Belt clips are an invitation to pickpockets - a mate had his lifted on a night out but we caught the thief before he got more than 2 feet.
The chargers are more of a mystery. Why would anyone pinch one?
Robertofgoodna
Thanks Mate, but if it's hard to get out then u miss so many calls for that very reason. I think the "bit of string" is the best idea. As an ex IT Manager, I came 2 QLD to get away from technology, but I now have two laptops, a mobile phone and 2 home phone lines. Am I a perfectly normal modern nutcase?
jayjay
Tie a retractable string to your phone works for me..
Robertofgoodna
Thanks Jayjay. I think that's the best idea. I'll find a bit of string and do it now.
Yqsymnx
Get pockets with zips on them. Or leave your phone at home when you know you're going out for a big night. Otherwise, you could have a 'designated' phone keeper for the night when you get to a certain stage?
Otherwise, doesn't seem like you're having much luck with the phones. Maybe just don't bother with them.
Robertofgoodna
Zips are a good idea, but I don't feel like restricting my clothing for that. Mobile phones are meant to be in your possession at all practical times. I don't have "big nights", but I walk a lot and sometimes when I shouldn't in this Queensland heat , so I get mildly dehydrated and lie down in a grassy park for a rest. I don't use my current one much, but when I need it, I really find it to be very useful.
Anonymous
the only suggestion that i have is to have a code on your phone that will stop any person from using your phone.
gary.
Anonymous
yes agree with gazza :)
Robertofgoodna
Thankyou. That's fine, but it doesn't stop it from getting lost.