by Timothy Rutt

Capt. John Benedict of the Altadena Sheriff Station said that there has been an increase in cell phone thefts, and passes along this note from the Pasadena Police Department:

Recently, the Pasadena Police Department has seen an increase in cell phone thefts in and around the Pasadena area.  Because cell phones are now an everyday part of life, and most everyone carries one, criminals are finding it easy to steal.  If your cell phone or other electronic device is stolen, it is relatively easy to clear the memory and resell the device. It is not uncommon for criminals to take your phone right out of your hands if the opportunity presents itself.

The police department has noticed several common denominators associated with the thefts.  The following safety tips may reduce the likelihood you will be a victim of this particular crime:

• Be aware of your surroundings.  Do not walk down the street talking on your phone oblivious of your environment. Thieves are looking for victims who are distracted.
• While in public, do not leave your phone unattended; put it away after use.
•  If you become a victim of a crime, call the police as soon as possible. Do not wait until you arrive at your destination.
• Activate the GPS tracking system on your phone or other electronic device.  If the device does not have a GPS tracking system, there is after-market software available. By having these applications installed on the devices, police personnel may locate the suspects and perhaps recover your phone.
• If you are a victim of a cell phone theft and see the suspect, do not attempt to recover your property.   Attempt to secure a good description of the suspect and/or any involved vehicles (license number, color, and model) and the last known direction of travel. Let the police attempt to locate and arrests the person(s) responsible.

The best preventative measure is to be aware of your surroundings.