UCL Security urges students to be vigilant for phone snatchers in Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury, along with a variety of locations in London and other major cities, has seen an increase in phone snatches by thieves on mopeds and bikes.

Areas around the campus have been particular targets.

The Bloomsbury Ward local Police officers and Aysev Ismail, Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Advisor from UCL Security's team are keen to raise awareness for the UCL community to prevent further incidents and to know what to do if you become a victim of phone theft.

Pop by to the Roberts Café Foyer area on Friday 19May between 1pm and 4pm or Thursday 25 May between midday and 3pm in the South Quad where you will have the opportunity to speak to local ward officers and Aysev.

Free, personal theft material will be available including Ultra Violet pens to mark personal property! Cycle theft has also been on the rise around Bloomsbury so tips around prevention of cycle theft will also be available!

Phone use tips

• Be aware of your surroundings when using your phone. To prevent phone theft, try to avoid using your phone in public. If you do, use away from the road and hold it close to your body and use against the wall so no one can come up behind you.
• Be vigilant: Look out for bikes and mopeds, especially if they go on the pavement. Put your phone away.
• Train or tube: Avoid taking phone out when you leave transport hubs. Opportunists are aware people do this and may target you.
• Imagine: Visualise your phone as a wad of money. This is how thieves see your phone.
• Have: Your lock on so no one can get into it straight away.
• If not registered: Do so with immobilise. This will help Police return your phone to you and will help catch the thief. Go to www.immobilise.com
• If your phone is stolen: Call your service provider and quote the 15 digit IMIE number. You can do this by tapping in *#06#. Your service provider can isolate your phone so no one can use it.

For more personal safety and crime prevention information, please visit the UCL Security webpages.

Call Security 24/7 on:

• Security Operations: 020 7679 2108
• Emergency Number: 020 7679 2222 or (222 from any internal UCL phone)

Follow UCL Security on Twitter and Instagram.

If you want to see someone in person, UCL Security is based on the Ground Floor of Foster Court, Malet Place.

Any crimes off campus call 999 if it is an emergency and 101 if it's not an emergency.

Aysev Ismail, Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Advisor, UCL Security