20,000 mobile phones lost each day

It’s true! Every day a staggering 20,000 mobile phones are either lost or stolen in Britain, the Daily Express has reported.

A recent poll revealed that one Briton in six had lost a mobile phone in the past 12 months and, while many mobiles were lost on nights out in pubs or clubs, a large proportion of the 7.3 million missing phones disappeared on holidays.

“Many of us now rely on the phone to conduct our personal affairs and work life,” commented gadget insurer ProtectYourBubble.com’s Stephen Ebbett. “It is therefore more than understandable that the average person would be utterly devastated to lose or have their phone stolen.”

The poll also revealed that one third of Britons consider their mobile phone to be their most treasured gadget.

Top tips for keeping your mobile phone safe

Most smartphones on the market cost a good few pounds, so protect your phone as if you would protect a wad of notes worth £250! Here are a few tips to keep your phone safe, and what to do if you do lose it.

‘Hide’ your phone
Pick-pockets are always looking for opportunities to steal valuables, so don’t make it easy for them by having your mobile phone on show. Instead, fasten it into an inside coat pocket, or store it deep within your bag.

Insure your phone
It’s one of those ‘added extras’ that hardly anyone takes out when purchasing a mobile phone, but the truth is, for a couple of extra pounds a month you could have your top-of-the-range smartphone replaced very easily and quickly if you do happen to lose it.

Protect sensitive information
It’s common sense but a lot of us store passwords and PIN numbers on our mobiles. If this sounds like you, create a PIN number which you have to enter into your mobile in order for it to work. This way, thieves don’t have easy access to your private details.

Bar calls
If you do lose your phone or find it has been nicked, immediately contact the network provider and get a bar put on all activity from your mobile. At least the thieves won’t be able to run up extortionate phone bills in your name this way.

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