This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

cell phone theft prevention

Today we are addressing ways in witch you can deter cell phone theft, which can also apply to other types of crimes. 1. Paying attention - this may seem like common sense but the number of incidents in which this simple action is failed to be employed is alarming. Noted by examples like these: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/sections/news/crime/blotter/3688/ http://www.brooklynpaper.com/sections/news/crime/blotter/3977/ Nothing is more important than your own safety. If there is a message or call that's urgent and needs your immediate response, it's far better to stop inside a local store and use your phone inside rather than walk around completely oblivious to your surroundings. Petty thieves are counting on your lack of attention. Even if you are not texting or talking or worst, doing both, avoid listening to music full blast. This is just another sensory distraction. Having your phone stolen, is the least of your worries, as in this story from Fast Company.com, where a man was struck by a vehicle while talking on his phone: http://www.fastcompany.com/1825167/stop-texting-while-walking-its-too-late As the MTA is planning on adding WIFI service to 30 underground stations, this could potentially add to the problem of theft and assault. 2. Keep your phone out of plain site - by purchasing an earpiece with a microphone you can avoid having one of your hands occupied by holding your phone. As a last resort, if you happen to have an iPhone there are apps you can use to locate your device. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/find-my-iphone/id376101648?mt=8 These guidelines can't guarantee you will not have your phone stolen, but they can certainly reduce the chances of it happening. - Stay alert and stay safe. D.M.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Prospect Heights-Crown Heights