Bristol School of Self Defence - Mobile Phone & MP3 Player Safety

Fact

In half of all street robberies, a mobile phone is stolen and in 2 out of 3 cases, the phone is the only thing taken.

Here are some simple tips to using a mobile phone safely:

Keep a record of your phone number and IMEI number at home. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15 digit number unique to the handset, which the network operator can use to immediately render a stolen handset inactive. You can obtain your IMEI number by typing *#06# into your handset.
Be aware of your surroundings. You can’t be aware - and especially hear - what is going on around you if you are talking on the phone.
Keep your phone out of sight.
If you are by yourself, set your phone to silent and vibrate mode to avoid attention.
If you need to make a call or answer your phone in a public place, don’t do it on the street. Wait until you get to a safe place, such as a shop. If this is not possible, stand with your back to a wall. Try to be discrete and continue to pay attention to what is happening around you.
If you are talking on your phone in a public place such as a train or cafe, be careful not to talk about personal information such as your address or phone number.

Here are some simple steps to using an MP3 player safely:

Keep the player hidden whenever possible.
Use ear phones as opposed to headphones, as they are less noticeable.
Wear black ear phones for the same reason.
Hide the wires as much as possible under your clothing.
Do not have the music too loud as this will draw attention to you.
Continue to pay attention to what is happening around you.
If you are walking down a street alone, either switch it off or remove one ear piece so that you can hear any danger warning sounds.