What is even sadder is that children of school age are the most likely to be victims of mobile phone theft. However, this does not mean that everyone should not take steps to prevent themselves from being a victim of mobile phone theft. There a few simple precautions that can be taken to decrease your chance of having your phone stolen and they are as follows.

Around a quarter of all mobile thefts occur when the phone is being used or can be seen by others. The statistics are even higher in city centres. Therefore, if you are out in a busy place avoid using your phone, even for text messaging. If you are using your phone then not only are you putting it on display, then you are probably not concentrating on your surroundings and the people around. This makes you more vulnerable to mobile theft.

Also avoid having your phone on display, such as round your neck or on a belt clip. This clearly advertises that you not only have a phone but the model that you have. Phones on a lanyard can be easily snatched and used to pull a victim in the direction a potential thief wants.

In fact, London's Metropolitan Police advise that you treat your mobile phone like you are holding a 100 pound note in your hand.

Here are some facts about mobile theft that hopefully you can use in order to understand the situations that could make you more vulnerable:

- 90% of offenders are male and 80% of victims are also male

- The majority of robberies are committed by offenders working in groups

- The peak age for offenders is 16

- The peak time for theft of mobiles belonging to people under the age of 18 is between 2pm and 10pm

- For over 18s the peak time for theft is between 10pm and 6am

- A mobile phone is stolen around every three minutes in the UK

In order to protect yourself and your mobile phone, there are steps you can take in case you become victim of a theft. Firstly, by typing *#06# into your phone, you will get what is called the IMEI number (15-digit serial number). Keep a safe note of this number, and should your phone get lost or stolen then it can be blocked by your phone service provider rendering it useless to anyone who finds or steals it.

Also take steps to mark your phone with your postcode and house number using an ultra violet pen. This acts as a deterrent and should your stolen or lost phone be recovered it can easily be traced back to you. Take steps to register your phone with the supplier when you purchase it so that they have your details on record in relation to the actual phone unit. Finally, use your phone's security lock code or PIN to stop anyone else using it. For more information about activating your PIN, refer to the manual that came with your handset.

If someone tries to take your phone from you by force, it may be best to give it to them. This will help you avoid getting injured. If your phone is stolen then report it to the police and your service provider straight away. By providing them with as much detail as possible about the phone, including the IMEI number, then the handset can be barred on all networks and will be useless to thieves.