Preventing Cell Phone Thefts

Not too long ago it was common to see automobiles on New York City streets with a cardboard sign attached to a window: “No radio in car.” It may be time to transfer the notice to Orange County, substituting the words “cell phone” for radio.

Newport Beach police reported being notified of 142 auto break-ins during October and November. In many, the target was a cellular phone. Things got a bit better in December, with car break-ins dropping to 23 and the number of cell phone taken totaling seven.

Few experiences rival the shock of spying a pile of glass outside the car after running an errand or grabbing a bite to eat. The stomach drops, the heart beats faster.

Nor are matters helped by the realization that a little common sense, a bit more time, might have led to a different result.

Objects left in plain sight are tempting to thieves. That includes purses, cell phones, even bags of groceries.

Newport Beach police say cell phone burglaries from cars have increased in the past year. Thieves sometimes hit several cars at a time. Irvine police, too, say the problem is growing.

Most phones have protective devices, such as codes that must be entered before the phone can be used. But older models can be reprogrammed and used at least temporarily.

The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Assn. in Washington says cell phone fraud has dropped dramatically in recent years, counter to the Orange County trend. Three years ago, there were 650 million cases of cell phone fraud reported; last year the number was less than 200 million.

However, association officials say there is still a problem when a phone is stolen and used before the owner realizes it’s gone. Once it is reported stolen, the phone can be quickly shut down and rendered useless to the thief.

New technology also has led to pricier cell phones. Some may still be given away as part of a subscription package. But others can cost hundreds of dollars, a hefty enough sum that owners buy insurance.

Secret codes and insurance are backup measures, though. Basic precautions still are best, including not leaving the phone on the dashboard of the car.