Crime Prevention Day of Action on Monday

The first Garda 'Crime Prevention Day of Action’ of 2016 will take place next Monday, March 14. It will focus on preventing thefts from persons and in particular avoiding thefts of mobile phones. The aim of this campaign is to promote ways of enhancing personal security and also to demonstrate how easy it is to record details of smart phone IMEI numbers and the benefits of doing so.
The timing of this campaign coincides with the St Patrick’s Day festivities which attract large crowds and can create opportunities for thieves and pick pockets.
Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said: “Since the beginning of 2015, almost €3m worth of smart phones were stolen. Smart phones, cash and handbags/wallets are the most likely item to be stolen in thefts or robberies.
During this campaign An Garda Síochána strongly recommends that smart phone owners record details of their IMEI number. Only one in three people have this unique 15 digit number, when reporting their smart phone stolen.”
An Garda Síochána can reunite recovered smart phones far easier if the IMEI number is reported to us at the time of theft or loss. Convicting the thief or handler of an offence becomes more straightforward if an injured party has been identified.,” explained Sgt Courtney.
The IMEI number can also be blocked on the networks, rendering the phone useless for anything other than parts.
To access and record your IMEI number: Simply dial *#06#
A 15-digit number will appear on your screen. Record is somewhere safely (not in your phone).
The National Crime Prevention Unit has developed a personal safety information pack, available for download on the Garda website.