Hundreds of thousands of mobile phones are stolen each year. Our consumer research in five western European markets in 2007 highlighted theft as one of parents' key concerns about their children using a mobile phone. Parents worry about children's safety in the event of a theft. Children express more concern about losing their phone.
The following advice is included in our Responsible Marketing, Content and Use Guidelines.
Deter thieves with these simple precautions:
- Your phone is valuable. Treat it like you would your wallet or purse.
- Keep your phone out of sight when you're out and about.
- Never leave your phone unattended.
- Register your new mobile when you get it.
- Keep a note of your SIM card number and your 15 digit IMEI number (you can find it by pressing *#06#).
- Enter a pin number to lock the keypad (if your phone allows).
- Keep a back-up of your phone directory in case your phone is lost or stolen.
What to do if your phone is lost or stolen
- Report the theft – we rely on you to tell us if your phone is stolen to help prevent it being used fraudulently.
- Contact your local operator. The IMEI number of the phone will be entered onto a central database. The handset will be immobilised and your sim card will be blocked.
- Report the theft to the police.
Blocking stolen phones
We have established equipment identity registers (EIRs) in all our operating companies, except Vodafone Romania, which plans to implement one, and our latest acquisition, Vodafone Essar in India. EIRs can be used to block mobiles that are reported stolen using your phone's unique 15 digit IMEI number.
If you report your phone lost or stolen, we use the Vodafone EIR to block its use on the Vodafone network in your home country. In the UK, we also pass on this information to the GSM Association's Central Equipment Identity Register so that other networks can prevent your phone being used in the UK.
