According to the most recent Home Office statistics, over 700,000 mobiles were stolen every year and almost half of all victims were under 18.

Know that phone! If you've bought your child a mobile phone, here are three important pieces of information to keep as safe - if not safer - than the phone itself:

The number of your phone
Sounds obvious but if you've just tapped it into the memory, it's as good as lost if yours gets stolen too.

The phone number of your supplier
You don't want to be faffing around wondering whether it's Orange or Vodafone, while your nearest and dearest is sitting opposite a grumpy desk sergeant.

Your phone's IMEI number
It's like a serial number unique to your phone which once disabled enables the phone company to make it unusable to anyone else and can help prosecute anyone caught with your phone.

To find out what it is tap *#06# - star hash 0 6 hash in other words - into your phone then write down the number which appears on your screen.

Stop Thiefs In Their Track
Log on to the mobile phone industry website www.immobilise.com and where you can register your phone's details. The minute your phone is stolen, log on or call 08701 123 123 which will freeze your phone and make your sim card worthless to thieves.

Disclaimer While every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy at time of publication, this information may be subject to change. Always consult your financial advisor.