Following my earlier blogs on Personal & Home Security, here is some more useful advice:
Theft
- Smartphones are valuable but not nearly as valuable as the information they contain. Make sure your phone and its SIM card are both protected with a PIN.
- Don't use the same PIN for all your bank cards and your phone.
- Make a note of your phone's IMEI number (dial *#06# to see it) so you can block it if it's stolen.
- Register your gadgets & other valuables with the UK National Property Register at immobilise.com
- Install a phone tracking app.
- Keep a secure copy of your passport, insurance details, phone IMEI number and emergency telephone numbers online, just in case.
- Don't keep your driving licence with your credit cards. Losing your cards is bad enough without giving the thief your address, full name and date of birth too.
- The details on contactless bank cards and passports can be stolen electronically. Get yourself a RFID blocking purse or wallet.
- Don't carry your home address with your house keys – and if your home and car keys are together, make sure your satnav doesn't accurately identify your home.
- Only carry what you need. If you don't need all your cards or cash, leave them at home.
Defeating pickpockets
- Place your wallet in your front pocket instead of the back. Using an elastic band around the wallet will prevent it from smoothly sliding out your pocket as well. Consider taking a dummy wallet with you, as most thieves will not look for another once they have found the first one. This can also work with a dummy old phone.
- Spread your valuables instead of keeping them in once place. If you are unlucky enough to be a victim of pickpocketing, and your ID, passport, cards and important documents are spread out, you will not lose everything in one go.
- Do not accept food or drink from strangers who you've just met in hotels or on buses or trains.
- Before travelling, research whether the destination is notorious for any particular scams. Embassy websites and online travel forums are particular good sources.
- Carry a backup ATM or credit card in case you lose your main card.
- Females should consider sewing a pocket into their bras for valuables, as thieves are well aware of money belts, and know how to target them.
- When sat down keep your bag looped through your leg, or under a chair leg, to avoid someone making off with the whole bag.
- Consider a slash free bag, to avoid pickpockets cutting into your belongings to extract valuables.
- Don't draw attention to your belongings by letting pickpockets know where you are keeping each valuable.
- Remain aware; pickpockets succeed by successfully misdirecting your attention, so be suspicious if someone tries to distract you during your day.
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