Women are targeted by phone thieves on mopeds
LONE women are being targeted by moped-riding thieves who snatch their phones from their hands on the street.
Students are also among the main victims, according to police in Salford.
The robbers are said to be riding up to people as they walk along the street holding their mobiles.
As they get close, the crooks rip the device from their hands and drive off, all within a matter of seconds. A photo shared by GMP Eccles showed two offenders in helmets on the back of a moped, both reaching out towards a woman walking down the street with her phone to her ear.
Officers are now warning people to be aware of their surroundings, and not to put themselves at risk of becoming another victim of crime. They posted on Facebook a series of tips to help people keep safe:
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
If you need to call or use your phone on the street, look out for anyone on a bike or a moped near you. Make it quick so you don’t become distracted. Don’t text while you’re walking – you won’t notice what’s going on around you.
If that’s not possible, stand away from the roadside close to a building or wall so no one can come up behind you. Going hands-free can prevent a thief from snatching your phone out of your hand.
USE YOUR PHONE’S SECURITY FEATURES
You must switch on your phone’s security features to protect your phone.
Make a note or memorise your Apple/Android/Samsung login and pass these to us if you need to dial 999, tracking is enabled by default and will allow us to track the location of your phone if it is lost or stolen.
Use the keypad lock so thieves cannot immediately access your phone, or use the biometric authentication if your phone has it (finger print or facial recognition).
Your phone may have other security features you can use, these could allow you to wipe data, lock your handset or prevent a thief from restoring a phone to its factory settings from another internet device.
KNOW HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR PHONE IF IT IS STOLEN
Every phone has an IMEI number which helps us and insurance companies to identify it if it’s stolen. UK network operators can also stop a stolen phone from working across their networks with its IMEI.
Find your IMEI number by dialing *#06# from your phone and keep a written note of it (separate to the phone itself). If the phone is stolen, report the number to your mobile provider to stop it being used.
Register your phone and other property at immobilise.com.