Pasadena Police Department: Tips For Cell Phone Safety

Pasadena Police Department: Tips for Cell Phone Safety…

The personal information we carry around on our smartphones is just as powerful as the information stored on our computers. Actually, it’s becoming increasingly more powerful. There is a good chance if you’re a smartphone user, you’re not just carrying your own personal data in the palm of your hand, but the confidential data of your company as well. Because cell phones are now an everyday part of life for most people, criminals have stepped up their thefts of your favorite communication devices. Please help us to help you to reduce the cost, risks, and hassle of having your phone stolen.

Cell Phone Safety Tips:

1. Password Protect Phone: Use the security lock code, or PIN feature, to lock your phone. Make it more difficult for others to access your personal information on your stolen phone.

2. Save the Serial Number: Save your cell phone’s serial number model and make, and keep it in a place where you can find it. Your serial number proves it belongs to you.

3. Do Not Store Secrets: Consider carefully what information you store in your phone. If it is stolen, it is not that difficult for criminals to extract your private information before clearing the memory and reselling the device. You cannot guarantee your phone will not be stolen, but if the information is not in the phone, the thief cannot use it for identity theft.

4. Activate Tracking Device: Activate the Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking feature on your phone or other electronic device. If the device does not have a GPS tracking feature, there is after-market software you can install. Tracking devices often lead to your stolen device and lots of other stolen property.

5. Distracted Walking and Talking: Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not walk down the street talking on your phone or texting, unaware of your environment or of people nearby. Thieves love it when you do that and while you talk, they grab.

6. Hide and Go Eat: When eating in a restaurant (or relaxing in a public place), do not leave your phone on the table. It is too easy for crooks to grab your phone and run. Put it away and enjoy your meal.

7. Don’t Delay: If your phone gets stolen, find another phone to use and call your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible. Call immediately; don’t wait until you arrive at your next destination.

8. Be a Good Witness: Do not try to get your phone back from the suspect. Use caution but try to get a good description of the suspect and vehicle (license number, color, and model) and the last known direction of travel. Write it down if you can and call the police. We’ll do what we can to get your phone back.

We encourage the community to partner with law enforcement to prevent or report crime by contacting the police department.

To report suspicious activity call (626) 744-4241 or for an Emergency Call 911.

Remember, “If You See Something, Say Something”