MOBILE phone owners are being urged by police to make a 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.
It can help to identify the phone if it is stolen or lost.
People who call police to report the theft of a phone are asked for the IMEI number.
Owners can find the number by keying in *#006# or checking inside the phone under the battery.
Other suggestions are to register your phone free online at immobilise.com or through its information line on 08701 123123 (local rates).
Owners can use an ultraviolet pen to mark the phone with their postcode and house number.
They should call their service provider if their phone is lost or stolen and it will block the phone to all networks and make it useless.
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