Phone Expert Warns Brits To Protect Devices Against Christmas Market Theft

With Christmas markets now underway across the UK, a mobile phone expert at Compare and Recycle is urging attendees to take proactive steps to protect their devices against thieves. 

Phone thefts across the UK have risen in recent years, with some studies showing that phone theft claims in the UK have increased as much as 425% since 2021. With phone thieves and pickpockets known to operate in large crowds where people are distracted, Christmas markets can quickly become prime targets for these criminals. 

While no one sets out to enjoy the festivities with the expectation they’ll return without their mobile phone, Lee Elliott, Chief Product Officer at the mobile phone recycling comparison site, has shared key steps people should take to protect their phones and, perhaps more importantly, their data. 

Preventative device safety tips before attending a market

Lee explains that gaining access to what is on your phone has far more value to thieves than the device itself: “Criminals aren’t just looking to steal phones and sell them on the black market anymore.

“They’re becoming increasingly more strategic about it – grabbing the phone while it is unlocked, or watching people unlock their devices with passcodes, then stealing the phone to gain access to their bank accounts and payment cards, and even applying for loans and other borrowing.” 

While staying aware of your surroundings is the least you can do to stop your phone from being snatched in the first place, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the worst from happening. 

A lesser-known trick for iPhone users is to disable Control Centre access from the lock screen – this prevents thieves from quickly switching off Wi-Fi or turning on Airplane Mode if they grab your phone while it’s locked, helping you retain the ability to track the device via Find My iPhone and making them more likely to let go of the device. 

Simply navigate to ‘Face ID & Passcode’ in settings and toggle off the option for accessing your control centre when the phone is locked.

Lee adds: “Additionally, enabling Stolen Device Protection (available on iOS 17.3 and later) makes it harder for thieves to change account security settings, even if they’ve got the passcode. Additionally, using an eSIM provides an extra layer of security, as a physical SIM can be removed from the device and taken offline. Staying online ensures that your tracking features remain active.

“Android users should take similar steps by setting up Theft Detection Lock, activating Find My Device, locking down notifications from the lock screen, and enabling two-factor biometric re-authentication for banking apps and settings changes.” 

What to do if your device is stolen 

Lee says if you find yourself in the situation where your phone has been lost or stolen, the first thing you’ll want to do is attempt to locate it remotely using Find My iPhone for Apple devices or Find My Device for Android. 

He says: “To ensure you can do this, you must already have this function enabled on your device, usually located within the security settings. 

“To locate your phone remotely, you’ll also need to know your email and password details you used to set up your iCloud or Google account. If you can’t remember your details, you can go through an account recovery process to help you regain access. 

“Once you’re into ‘Find My iPhone’ or ‘Find My Device’, you will be able to see the location of your lost phone – as long as it is connected to the internet (either via your SIM card or WiFi). From here, you can mark your device as lost. 

“This will lock your device until you find it again, meaning it won’t be accessible until you unlock it. It will also block anyone from being able to use your cards if you have them connected to your phone for contactless payments.  

“If you don’t have ‘Find My iPhone’ or ‘Find My Device’ set up before losing your phone, you should contact your network provider straight away. They can remotely block your phone using the SIM card and your phone’s identification number (IMEI).”

Once you’ve blocked your phone, you should contact the local police and report it as stolen to get a crime number. You’ll need this if you’re insured and want to claim the stolen device.

With thanks to https://www.compareandrecycle.co.uk/mobile-phones for sharing this content.