Safety tips for when you are out and about

• If you’re on the phone, you’re less aware of your surroundings making you vulnerable to thieves. Stay aware of your surroundings
• Carry a laptop in a rucksack or sports bag rather than a laptop bag.
• Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket.
• Try not to use cashpoints at night, but if you have to use one try to go with friends and if you see anyone suspicious don’t withdraw any money.
• When carrying bags, close them properly and try to have the opening facing in to your body, making it harder for someone to grab something from inside your bag.

When out walking

• Avoid walking home after a night out – try and stay in a group as much as possible; avoid dimly lit areas and short cuts.
• Whether day or night, try to plan your route home, walk with confidence.
• If you ever feel that you are being followed, initially try crossing over the road. If they cross with you try to make towards a busy public area and then ask for help.

Know where your smartphone or tablet computer is right now?

Tracker applications use your device’s internet connection and in-built global positioning system to plot the location of your phone or tablet.

Some enable you to get the device to make a ringing sound, others send instructional voice and text messages to the device so that the finder knows what to do with your property. Other applications will even allow you to remotely activate your device’s camera to capture the face and surroundings of a thief.

West Midlands Police cannot recommend specific products but in most instances, these functions are free and already pre-loaded on your smartphone or tablet and just have to be activated.

Remember, if your device has been stolen and you later track it through one of these apps, let the officer dealing with your case know that you have traced it. Never be tempted to attend the location to recover the property yourself.

Crime prevention

• If possible keep your phone out of sight in public areas
• Ensure your phone is password / PIN protected
• Don’t leave your phone on tables or other places where someone could easily pick it up
• Don’t let strangers use your phone. If it is an emergency, call the emergency services on their behalf
• Stay alert when using your phone
• If your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to get your phone blocked
• Postcode your phone using a UV pen and register it on the national database immobilise.com. This means it will be easier to return your phone to you if it is stolen

IMEI numbers – International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)

This number is needed if your phone is stolen and needs to be blocked.
You can find out what your IMEI number is by:

• Dialling *#06# on the phone keypad will display up the IMEI number on the screen of your phone.
• The IMEI number should also be recorded on an identification sticker, normally located on the rear of the handset and underneath the battery

We will also be on an all out day with the Wardens from The Guild at the University of Birmingham on Monday 1st February 2016 from 18.00-20.00hrs