Central Scotland Police

Protect your Mobile

Many thousands of mobile phones are lost and stolen each year in the United Kingdom and there is no doubt that they will remain a tempting target for thieves for the foreseeable future.

The National Mobile Phone Register is supported by Central Scotland Police and Police Forces throughout the United Kingdom and offers an easy way of making your phone safer. It already holds the details of over ten million phones and its takes only a few minutes to add phone details to the data base at www.immobilise.com.

The service is completely free and you only need to enter your contact details and the phone's fifteen digit IMEI number (your phone's unique serial number) into the electronic registration form on the website. The IMEI number can usually be found underneath the battery in your phone and by pressing *#06# on its keypad.

The Police are able to compare the IMEI of recovered phones against the data base, so you will have a better chance of getting a registered phone back if it's lost or stolen. The data base will also make it easier for the Police to compile evidence against someone found in possession of a stolen phone.

If your phone is lost or stolen you should report it to your network operator as soon as possible (the contact number for each of the networks can be obtained from the Immobilise information line on 08701 123 123). This will allow the phone SIM card and handset to be blocked, in much the same way as a stolen credit card and the Police will inform you if your registered phone is recovered.

Organizations can also register their mobile phones and it is possible for employers, clubs and other organizations which own or administrate a large number of phones, to register them on a block registration spreadsheet. A specimen corporate registration template accompanies this message can be obtained from your local community safety officer and should be emailed to adrian@recipero.com when completed.

It is also worth noting that registration need not be limited to mobile phones; virtually any type of property can be registered via Immobilise, so long as the item has a unique reference number.

You can read more about the registration scheme on the immobilise website. Further information can also be obtained from your local Community Safety Officer on 01786 456000.

Visit Immobilise website

Protect Your Bike

There is a rise in pedal cycle crime and the following is some advice to prevent the theft of pedal cycles. By following this easy advice it will help to prevent you pedal cycle from being stolen.

Register your bicycle model, make and frame number. This can be done via www.immobilise.com. Alternatively, contact your local community officer and ask about the bicycle passport scheme run by Central Scotland Police.

• Keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked.
• Keep it out of public view.
• Secure it to an immovable object with a secure lock when left unattended.
• Lock your bike through the frame not the wheels as they can be easily removed.
• Secure removable parts. Lock both wheels and the frame together. Take with you smaller parts and accessories that can be removed without tools, for example lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick-release saddles, or fit security fasteners on items such as wheels, headsets and seat posts.
• Invest in a quality lock. Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard. It is worth spending proportionately more on a lock for a more expensive bike.