Protect your mobile phone against criminals on bikes/mopeds

Criminals often use bikes and mopeds to snatch mobile phones from people, particularly at busy locations.

Victims are often approached from behind while talking or texting on phones. Criminals on mopeds or bicycles may mount the pavement to grab the phone or snatch it from the road. Sometimes when it’s a moped, a pillion passenger will snatch it.

Criminals operate during the day as well as in the evening, so it’s important to always look out for what’s going on around you. Follow these simple steps to help protect your phone.

Be aware of your surroundings

• If you need to call or use your phone on the street or on campus, look out for anyone on a bike or a moped near you. Look up, look out
• 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 security features on your phone

• You must switch on your phone's security features to protect your phone
• Use the keypad lock so that thieves cannot immediately access your phone, or use the biometric authentication if your phone has it (fingerprint 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
• Consider installing an anti-theft app. These can be an effective way of helping police trace your phone and identify the thief.

Know how to identify your phone if it's stolen

• Every phone has an IMEI number which helps police 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 dialling *#06# from your phone and keep a written note of it; if the phone is stolen, report the number to your mobile provider to stop it being used
• Register your valuables on an accredited property database.

Remember, never confront a thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile phone. If your phone is stolen on or around campus, it is important that you report this to the police and on the university Accident Management System (AMS). When reporting an incident on the AMS, students will need to self-register in the first incidence.

If you any concerns while on campus, security is always available to assist or walk you to your car. They can be approached at the receptions of our buildings or contacted via the numbers below.

Campus specific emergency contact numbers:

Further information and resources

You can find more information on how to stay safe on and around campus here, as well as how to download Safezone, the personal safety app for everyone at Greenwich.