Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has called for extra vigilance from mobile phone users in advance of the festive season and said there was an increased likelihood of mobile phone theft during the Christmas period.

Deputy Crowe said:

“Over 1,000 mobile phones, the vast majority being smart phones, are reportedly stolen every month across the country.

“Figures from this time last year suggest that over 12,000 mobiles, with an estimated value of €5 million have been reported stolen in 2012.

“In advance of the anticipated increased social occasions over the coming weeks, I would urge all mobile phone users to take extra care and to be vigilant.

“Everyone should try and take practical measures such as enabling the PIN security feature, downloading a location finder app, keeping your phone out of public view, not leaving the mobile in an unattended car, and reporting lost or stolen phones to An Garda Síochána.

“Mobile phones have become an increasingly important part of our everyday lives. Many wake up to their phone alarm, read the morning news from their device, listen to music on the bus, find their way to a nearby café at lunch, arrange social events and document those occasions with their phone camera.

“I think we have all mislaid, lost or had stolen our mobile phone.

“I would urge everyone to be extra careful and vigilant to treat their mobile phones with the same care as any other extremely valuable item during the Christmas festive season.”

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