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Tips For Protecting Your Phone on Public Transport

Phone Crime Safety Tips & Tricks
Avator By Lauren Noakes
Marketing Assistant
Published 5th March 2020
Last modified 9th May 2022
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Parting ways with your possessions whilst travelling on public transport has, unfortunately, been an all too familiar reality for many of us. Whether it’s your headphones left on the bus or your handbag on the tube – we’ve all been there.

Yet, arguably the most frustrating thing we could lose would have to be our smartphone, because they ofen hold our entire lives on them; our photos, plans, and personal details as well as our way of communicating with the wider world! All of these elements are encompassed in one small device.

So, it’s only natural that we look for ways in which we can protect our phones when commuting – especially as the numbers behind smartphone theft are so significant. In fact, a Freedom of Information request made by loveit coverit to the British Transport Police showed that, in January alone, there were 967 recorded mobile phone thefts across train routes in England and Wales.

As such, it’s vital that everyone takes simple precautions to lessen their own chances of falling victim to smartphone theft. Here are our top tips:

Be vigilant
This is the most basic advice we could give anyone, but it’s nevertheless worthwhile. The majority of personal thefts take place when an individual is distracted and subsequently not paying attention to their surroundings. So, make sure you are alert!
We know it can be tempting to use your morning commute for an extra 20-minutes of sleep but try to resist that urge - because a thief’s ideal target is someone who is not fully focused on the physical space around them!
Secure your possessions
This doesn’t mean you need to carry around a padlocked box and never use your phone in public. It simply asks that you consider the way in which you transport your belongings. For instance, a phone left in an open pocket is much more susceptible to theft than a phone kept in a zipped pocket of a handbag.
Understandably, keeping your phone somewhere that is easily accessible to you will always be a factor in this change of habit. However, it’s important to remember that is all it is – a change of habit. After a few weeks, it will seem like a routine action rather than an additional task.
Report any unusual or concerning activity
Although it might not directly benefit you, it could stop someone else from becoming a victim of theft.
If you notice an individual acting in a way that is out of the ordinary then you need to report it to the British Transport Police so that they may investigate and, luckily, this is extremely easy to do. Simply text any information relating to your concern to 61016. Logically, if everyone were to do so then there should be a cumulative decline in mobile thefts across public transport!
Avoid using your phone when changing transport
It can be tempting to reach for your phone to check the time if you’re rushing to catch your next train, however, it’s best not to do this. When you’re trying to get off your train, juggle any luggage as well as locate your next platform it’s easy to become confused. This offers a prime opportunity for thieves to take advantage of your preoccupation and swipe your phone.

The thought of losing your smartphone to theft can be a scary one but these tips can help minimise the risk. However, if your phone is stolen you’ll want to have a comprehensive insurance plan to help you recover your losses. Loveit coverit offer a range of insurance plans available for an ever-increasing number of devices.

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