Back to School?? New phones, new friends, new criminal trends.

Back to School?? New phones, new friends, new criminal trends.

Hello,

Keep reading, even if you don't know someone back at school; this message is for you too!

September is a busy time of year with new changes: new schools, new friends, new phones…

As you know, phone snatching is on the rise in London. Remember to keep valuables hidden when out and about; opportunist thieves wait for you to be distracted. Some other tips:

Write down your IMEI number (dial #06#)

Have you emergency contacts updated so if found we can contact you more easily

Consider anti-theft Apps

Lock screens, passwords, pins, you name it: have it.

Consider insurance in case the worst happens

Did you know? Some thieves put your phone on airplane mode as soon as they snatch it so it cannot be tracked: you must disable access to airplane mode from the lock screen when your device is locked! Look this up online; every phone is different.

Before I write off, let's quickly mention online safety.

The excitement of new friends, new phones and (for some) new online experiences can be amazing but it also may cause them to lower their guard.

Make sure you have regular chats with your kids about their phone use. Teach them to only add people they know, keep personal details private, and to tell you if anything makes them suspicious.

Let's stop online groomers before they even get a chance to speak. If you would like more crime prevention advice, feel free to get in touch, or chase us when we're out on the street.

Wishing you all the best,

Your Safer Neighbourhood Team.

PS. Don't forget to forward and share Met Engage. The more who have their say about how we better police our Community, the safer our area will be.

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Message Sent By
Jonathan Birkbeck
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, DEPTFORD WARD)