Phone Theft at Music Festivals - whats the deal with pickpockets? (2024)

FAQs

What happens to phones stolen at festivals? ›

It's Professional

More commonly, the devices are moved internationally, frequently to Mexico or China, sold as parts, or wiped and used off the network.

Dress to protect what you bring

Generali Global Insurance also suggests when carrying money and cards, try to spread them around to minimize the risk of being left with nothing if you do end up getting pickpocketed. If there is one tip to remember, it's to never keep your phone or any valuables in your back pocket.

Phone thieves often go straight for your personal information after stealing your phone. They'll try to access banking and investment apps, social media and email accounts, photos, and passwords.

Our smartphones are prime targets for crooks — and not just the ones who resell stolen devices. Identity thieves and scammers can use your stolen phone (and the data and accounts contained on it) to steal your money, take over your accounts, and scam your contacts.

One way to minimize this risk is to keep valuable devices attached to you or your bag (this also reduces the chance of accidentally leaving something behind). For instance, a phone case/lanyard combo has a strap that you can loop around your chest or wrist, even when using your device.

You can track your stolen phone by using GPS tracking devices or services that require the phone's number. These tools help locate your device on a map.

Pickpockets often work in teams, with one or more distracting you while another steals. Distractions may include physical bumping, sandwiching, or attracting your attention. Pickpockets consider student backpacks a primary target for electronics, money, valuables, and credit cards.

The best protection is to eliminate the opportunity of becoming a victim in the first place. pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets. knowledge. The best place for keys is on a chain attached to your clothing.

If you're facing misdemeanor petit larceny charges, you could spend up to one year in jail, if convicted. You could also be facing fines associated with the conviction. If you're convicted of felony grand larceny, you could be facing up to five years or more in a correctional facility.

Pickpockets are drawn to people who look lost, confused or distracted. People who seem sure of themselves and aware of their surroundings are less attractive targets. Remember, most pickpockets are cautious thieves who want to avoid confrontation.

Do pickpockets target phones? ›

Expert pickpocket shows just how easy it is to steal mobile phones from unsuspecting victims as he chats to them in the street. A 'professional pickpocket' has taken to Piccadilly Circus to swipe mobile phones in broad daylight - before handing them back to their astonished owners.

If your phone is lost or stolen, it is important not to waste time feeling helpless. While the chance of recovery might be slim, owners should immediately try to track their phones and take steps to protect any stored data from being misused by criminals.

Sixteen percent of phones are stolen in restaurants, and chances are it was an iPhone (39%) or Android device (37%) - the most attractive handsets for thieves. While 55 percent of thefts happen in an urban environment, one third of phone theft incidents occurred in suburbia.

Blocking a Stolen Phone

If your phone is stolen, contact your carrier as soon as possible. They'll be able to disable the service for your phone line, preventing the thief from making calls or texts. Your carrier can also provide your phone's IMEI number, which you'll need to file a police report.

Access any stored login credentials for accounts. Lock the phone's owner out of their email or social media accounts, or banking apps. Steal personal data to carry out identity theft. Use the phone to bypass multifactor authentication on linked accounts.

Because they are small, valuable, can be removed quickly, are easily hidden, and there is a market for them. A thief can sell a stolen laptop, MP3 player, or other device to an unsuspecting used computer store or pawnshop, and easily receive up to half its value in cash.

If you lose an Android device or Wear OS watch, you can find, secure, or erase it remotely. You can also help a friend find, secure, or erase their lost device with the Find My Device app.

Security guards have the right to search attendees whilst they are entering a festival. These searches tend to look for prohibited items such as drugs and alcohol and involve the security guard searching through your bag or pockets. Security guards are allowed to confiscate any illegal items they find.