Be on guard

• Never lose sight of your stuff - Keep your things in your pocket or on your lap. If you're standing in a cramped space, shouldering a bag with lots of zips and pockets, clamp it between your feet instead.
• Carry your wallet in the back pocket of your jeans - it might not seem it, but you are far more likely to notice someone trying to pilfer something from your back pocket than an inside pocket of your jacket. 
• Don't carry everything in one place - Make sure your address is seperate from your keys. Whatever's in your bag or wallet, ask if it could lead a thief to cause you further grief.
• Register valuable stuff, including your phone, with Immobilise.
• Make a note of your mobile's security number.
• Be bashful about your 'bling' - Make sure your mobile, or any other desirable item, is kept out of view. Flaunting any kind of valuable item - be it a phone or a big gold chain around your neck - could attract the wrong kind of attention.
• Check your pockets - Remove any valuables before dumping your coat in a heap some place.

My stuff's missing 

• Don't resist - If someone attempts to snatch stuff from you - they may become violent and the situation could quickly inflame. Once you feel out of harm's way, make a big noise to attract attention to what's happened.
• Ask around - If your stuff has simply vanished and you've just found out, question those around you and find out if anyone saw anything suspicious.
• Inform the police  - Even if you're reluctant about making a fuss. Any information you can provide may help, plus youll need to report it should you decide to make an insurance claim.
• Call your bank - If your cards or cheque book have gone. You need to report the loss immediately in case the thief has gone off on a shopping spree. Numbers for all the major card operators are on the CardWatch website.
• Notify your mobile phone service provider - The handset can then be barred from all networks, making it as useful as a brick. The catch is they need the security number. The one we advised you to note down earlier. Remember? Uh-oh.
• Check your insurance terms - Many home content insurers extend cover to items lost/stolen outside of the home. If you're covered, and want to claim, let them know what's been nicked and get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

Updated: 08/04/2009