In today’s modern society, many of us carry our prized gadgets in our pockets and bags, including mobile phones, tablets and laptops; is it any surprise that so many are regularly reported stolen?
Top tips to keep your tech safe
In today’s modern society, many of us carry our prized gadgets in our pockets and bags, including mobile phones, tablets and laptops; is it any surprise that so many are regularly reported stolen?
In fact, between 2015 and 2017, there were 247,896 reported tech thefts in total across the country*. Of these, 68% were mobile phones, 21% were laptops and 11% were tablets. Greater Manchester took the top spot, with 42,697 phone thefts, 7,748 tablets and 13,442 laptop thefts reported stolen in just three years.
So, how do we keep our treasured tech items safe?
Here are our five top tips to help you keep your valuables secure, ensuring there are no slip ups when you’re on the move.
Out of sight, out of mind
Investing in a wearable way to store your tech could be the secret to keeping your belongings safe at all times.
There are so many new inventions on the market, including an anti-theft wallet, or a neck pouch. An anti-theft wallet means you’re in control when you’re on the move. Its metal chain ensures you’ll notice if someone starts trying to tug at your wallet, which stores your mobile phone.
Similarly, a neck pouch is a good place to store a gadget. Don’t try to pack too much into the pouch, as the key here is to be discrete, otherwise, the pouch can become bulky and obvious.
Stay clear of public charging stations
We’ve all been there, when our phone battery suddenly dies, or our laptop blinkers as it comes to the end of its battery life at the most inconvenient time.
Be prepared for this. Buy a portable charger that does the job quickly and efficiently. Try to avoid public charging stations in places such as train stations or airports. It’s so easy to take your eye off the ball, and for tech to get stolen.
Take advantage of useful apps
There are now a variety of apps which are available to download and use while you’re walking or travelling alone. Try Companion, Kitestring or Safe. All of these apps ensure that if you come into any trouble, and think your belongings are at risk of being stolen, you can alert someone and do something to stop it.
On the move? Keep your gadgets hidden
This may seem obvious, but try not to walk around with your phone in your hand, or your laptop visible through your backpack.
Be discreet and don’t give too much away. Phones are particularly multi-purposed nowadays so if you need it for directions, for example, try printing them off beforehand.
Regularly update your passwords
In the event that your tech does get stolen, you want to make it as difficult as possible to be actually used. Take precautions prior to venturing outdoors. Change your passwords regularly and make sure they are solid.
Take these precautions and you’ll definitely be on your way to keeping your tech safe and secure. But, it’s certainly better to be safe than sorry and investing in insurance could make life a whole lot easier, should the unexpected happen. Check out our policies to find out more, and read up on all the latest offers.
Sources
*FOI requests issued in 2018