Crime Trend Alert: The Top 4 Places Thieves Snatch Cellphones
We all know the feeling of panic and that frantic pocket pat you do when that small, rectangular device isn’t where you think you left it last. If you’re fortunate, you quickly find your phone in a side pocket you didn’t even know you had! But chances are, at least once in your lifetime, you have had the heartbreaking realisation that the little device holding your whole world is gone.
There has been a significant rise in the number of cellphones stolen recently, with a total of 9 cellphone theft incidents reported to Blue over the past week. There are several different scenarios in which thieves target unsuspecting cellphone owners, so we’ve compiled a list of the common places for cellphone theft and how to combat this crime trend to avoid that panicked pocket pat-down.
The Top 4 Places Thieves Snatch Cellphones
1. An Open Home Window
It’s not uncommon for thieves to fish valuables out of an open home window and cellphones are the typical treasure they find charging on a bedside table. Be cautious of this modus operandi and be sure to close all windows when you leave a room. If you do like to keep the windows open, possibly for a cat or a just a fresh breeze, then make sure that all your valuables are well out of reach.
2. An Open (or broken) Car Window 
Although we don’t recommend driving with your car windows down, we know that Durban’s Summer can be brutal and sometimes you need a fresh breeze to stop yourself from melting! Even with the windows up your phone is at risk to brazen criminals willing to break the glass to get their hands on it. Avoid having your phone displayed on the dashboard, keep all valuables out of sight and reach from ready to snatch hands. It is also worthwhile to invest in smash and grab – a protective film that holds the pieces of your window in place. This makes it harder for criminals to smash open your window and protects you from the broken glass.
3. Your Back Packet
Whether you’re walking down the road or through a busy shopping center – your back pocket is possibly the worst place to store your cellphone. Aside from making it very visible to potential pick-pockets, it makes it that much easier for light-handed criminals to take your phone undetected. Keep your phone tucked away in secure location, such as front pocket or a closed bag.
4. A Restaurant Table
We’ve all seen the videos on YouTube – sly criminals lifting someone’s phone off a table or even snatching it straight from their hand! Be cautious about where you place your phone and most definitely do not leave it lying on the table. Rather keep it in your pocket or a bag, being mindful of where you place your bag. Make sure it is closed with a zip and placed somewhere you can always see – not under the table!
Although preventative measures are always key, sometimes we find ourselves in situations we can’t control. With phones being one of the most stolen everyday items of value, there are many apps that can assist in the tracking of a lost or stolen phone. Set your phone up for safety and read our guide on how to track a lost or stolen phone.