Tracking apps lead to smartphone snatch arrests
Published on 6 March 13
Police say software assisted in the successful arrests, but warn people to remain vigilant on Oxford Road
Police have made several arrests in connection to the ongoing smartphone snatches along Oxford Road and Fallowfield. The thieves, who have been increasingly operating during busy daytime periods, were caught as a result of tracking apps activated on the phones.
The apps, such as "Find my iPhone" on Apple devices and “Kaspersky Mobile Security” on Android, enable users to locate lost or stolen mobiles using the GPS. You can also remotely lock or erase the device, rendering the mobile effectively useless to a thief.
'Remain Vigilant'
Despite the successes, Police urge everyone around campus and Fallowfield to remain vigilant for criminal activity, particularly at night.
There are also reports of 'distraction thefts' Police have identified a gang operating in the area, using a woman to distract victims, while pickpockets remove mobiles and wallets.
You can protect yourself against theft by following some very simple advice from Ian Halliwell, Crime Reduction advisor:
- When out in a public place be aware of your surroundings and those around you
- If you’re not using your valuables keep them out of sight and in a secure pocket, case or handbag
- Ensure your phone is password / PIN protected
- Install tracking software, as this will make it easier for police to track your phone should it be stolen
- Be alert if someone asks to use your phone – consider the legitimacy of the request
- If your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to get your phone blocked
- Register your phone on the national database www.immobilise.com. This means it will be easier to return your phone to you if it is stolen
- For more information on mobile phone safety visit: gmp.police.uk/wheresyours
If you are a victim of crime, report it to University security on 0161 306 9966 or the Police on 101. If it’s an emergency and the crime has just happened, it’s 999.
Where's My Phone?Many new generation phones have security apps built in - here are some of the options to keep yours safe: Thief Face Trap Mini, Free, Android This free Android app takes a picture of would-be thieves and covertly sends it to the owner - although it requires a bit of fiddling to turn off notifications that might warn the thief - and can also send an SMS with its current location. The SMS function can be activated even if the phone's SIM card is changed. Find My iPhone, Free, iOS Apple's free security app doesn't take pictures of thieves, but can set off alarms, display warning messages on screen and remotely wipe devices. You can remotely switch a lost device into Lost Mode - which displays a contact number on screen, locks the handset with a PIN, and sends you a record of where it's been. GadgetTrak, From £2.49, iOS, PC, Mac The GadgetTrak app sends its owner updates with its location - and can be instructed to take photos of thieves using an iPhone or laptop's camera. The locator will work via wi-fi and phone network if GPS is turned off. Kaspersky Mobile Security Lite, Free, Android Kaspersky's security suite allows users to find their phone via GPS once it's stolen, then wipe its email, text and Calendar data remotely or block it from being used. The paid-for version of Kaspersky's app will even work if the thief has changed the SIM card. Norton Anti-Theft, Free (requires subscription), iOS, Android, PC Norton's security suite - for Android and iPhone - includes a 'sneak peek' feature that lets users covertly take pictures of someone who has stolen their phone or tablet. Gadgets will also send their owners their current location, along with a list of recent locations. |