Firstly, you should ring your network provider and ask them to bar both the phone and the simcard. The phone then cannot be used on any Australian network. Barring the simcard prevents calls being made on your account. The simcard can be reissued with your existing mobile number.

 

Phone barring prevents anybody from using that phone even with a different simcard. The barred phone will appear to operate okay, but when you try to make a call it will give a ‘contact provider’ message.

 

The barring is done via the phone’s IMEI number. Each phone has it’s own fifteen-digit IMEI number which is it’s unique digital fingerprint. This number can be viewed if you press *#06# on your phone, is printed behind the phone battery, or on the phone packaging. In most cases, the IMEI is recorded by the network. I recommend you note it down to prevent any complications.

 

You should make a police report because if it is recovered they will be able to return it to you.

Check to see if your household insurance policy covers replacement, as you may be pleasantly suprised.

The barring can be removed by the original owner, if the phone is recovered.

 

TIPS to prevent theft;

 

1/ Half of all phone thefts are from cars. Apart from the cost of phone replacement there is usally associated damage to the car. A phone in the car is an invitation to a thief.

2/ Don’t be in the habit of putting your phone down at shop counters or at the checkout. Keep it hidden.

3/ Ringtones sometimes attract thieves – activate the vibrate function. You are vulnerable to assault when there are not many people around, like a train station late at night. Busy places also allow the thief to disappear into the crowd.