MOBILE phone owners are again being urged by police to make a safe note of their phone's IMEI number.

The 15-digit number is unique to each phone and remains even if the SIM card is changed and can help to identify the phone if it is lost or stolen.

People who call police to report a phone theft are asked for the IMEI number as well as a description of the phone.

You can find your IMEI number by keying in *#006# or checking inside the phone under the battery.

And you can register your phone for free online at the website immobilise.com or through its information line on 08701 123123 (local rates).

You can use an ultra-violet pen to mark the phone with your postcode and house number.

Call your service provider if your phone is lost or stolen and it will block the phone to all networks, making it useless.