Tips for Safeguarding Against Cell Phone Theft

With the ever-increasing popularity and price of cell phones, such as Blackberries, iPhones and Droids, there also has been an increase in the number of thefts. The and Precincts in Bedford-Stuyvesant both report a dramatic increase in the number of , particularly among high school students.

The 2006 Chancellor's Regulation A 412 Section, widely known as the "Cell Phone Ban," prohibits cell phones and other electronic devices on school property. However, even at schools where this law strictly is enforced, students still carry phones, evidenced by the high number of reported incidents of students being jumped for their cell phone after school hours or on their way home.

"My phone is my life. Without it, I would be nothing," said Sha-nay Woolridge, 17, a senior at . "I make sure I know where my things are, I never sit anything down or have it all out."

"Phones are so hi tech; people are looking to upgrade without paying the cost," said Elmer Anderson, parent coordinator at Boys and Girls High School. "It is important to guard personal items at all times; you never know what the next person is thinking. But we have not heard any reports of this taking place around the school."

Students are not the only targets for cell phone thieves. Anyone who is walking outside while talking on their phones becomes a target-- especially during the holidays, when foot traffic increases along commercial corridors and people are distracted by the hustle and bustle of shopping. 

The New York City Police Department offers tips for decreasing your chances of cell phone robbery:

• Always be aware of your surroundings. Thieves may be watching you.
• Use your cell phone security lock.
• Avoid becoming distracted by your cell phone conversation when walking on the street.
• Keep your cell phone out of site. Don't hang it from your purse of jacket.
• Switch the ringer off to avoid attracting the attention of thieves.
• Never loan your cell phone to a stranger. In case of an emergency, offer to make the call for them.
• Consider using hands-free technology.
• If your phone is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your cell phone service provider and the police.

For more information on how to protect your property or to report a stolen cell phone, please contact the 79^th or 81^st police precincts of Bedford-Stuyvesant.