Mobile phones are most stolen item as 7,000 taken last year

Mobile phones are the item most likely to be stolen, with some 7,000 snatched last year.

Gardaí said the number of phone thefts in 2015 fell by 5% compared with the figure for 2014, but still equated to almost €3m worth of stolen property.

The figures show 60% of thefts and robberies involve the stealing of a mobile phone, and that 40% of thefts take place at night, between 10pm and 4am.

Gardaí urged everyone with a phone to make sure they know its IMEI number; this makes it easier to trace phones which have been stolen and also allows the owner to block its use on mobile networks.

Just one in three people who reported their mobile phone stolen had recorded their IMEI number.

The statistics were publicised at the launch of a crime prevention day of action, and ahead of this week’s St Patrick’s Day festivities which gardaí said presented ample opportunities for pickpockets.

Sgt Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said: “People should avoid leaving their phone on tables in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

“All too often we see criminals simply walk past the table while people are distracted and grab the phone. If making or receiving a call in public, always do so with your back against a wall or shop window.

“This reduces the chances of a criminal snatching your phone.”

Garda figures show more than half of all reported theft and robbery incidents take place between Friday and Sunday, and that almost 35% of incidents take place on a street or roadside location.

While mobile phones are the most stolen items, since the start of 2015 the total value of items taken during thefts and robbery incidents was €4,387,883, with cash, and handbags, purses, and wallets also taken.

Gardaí said St Patrick’s Day and the period around it have experienced higher levels of thefts and robbery in the past two years.

The National Crime Prevention Unit has developed a personal safety information pack, available for download on the Garda website.

Sgt Courtney said:

“Knowing your IMEI number is important for several reasons. Firstly, An Garda Síochána can reunite recovered smartphones far easier if the IMEI number is reported to us at the time of theft or loss.

“Secondly, if the phone is registered with a service provider, the IMEI number can be blocked on the networks, rendering the phone useless for anything other than parts.

“Thirdly, convicting the thief or handler of the phone becomes more straightforward if an injured party has been identified.”

As an example, he mentioned how gardaí in Galway recently recovered 15 phones and were able to identify the owners through the IMEI numbers, with a suspect arrested and later charged.

To access your mobile phone’s IMEI number, dial *#06# on that phone, and the 15-digit number will be displayed.