Register your mobile with the police - helps when it's lost or stolen.

alexj2002

If like me you've lost or had your phone stolen, then you'll be glad to hear that the police have launched a database to register your phones details so if it's lost/stolen and later found, they can reunite you with it.

It's called MEND (Mobile Equipment National Database) and you register (for free) and then can enter details (Make,Model,IMEI) of your phone(s). Then if it's lost or stolen, you can login, click on lost/stolen and then if it's found they can trace you back as the owner.

It also works for other equipment (Digital Cameras, MP3/iPods, PDA's, Notebook PC's) just with a serial number instead of IMEI.

It's supported by Crimestoppers and most of the UK's Police Forces. If you are unsure about giving your details ask at your local police station and they may be able to give you a leaflet about Immobilise (which is the marketing campaign name for the database).

Don't wait until your stuff gets stolen/lost before registering, do it now and then when it does go, you may be able to get it back.

The website address is http://www.menduk.org/

Paul_Varjak

That is interesting, because my local Police Force has just recommended a Home Office database. The Home Office, of course, oversee all Police Forces!

The www.immobilise.com website was launched by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears and Assistant Commissioner Tim Godwin in January 2005. It allows members of the public to register their mobile phone for free on the National Mobile Phone Register. The Register is a searchable, national police database that many forces have already assimilated into their core investigative procedures.

Forces use the Register to trace a given phone to its rightful owner and to establish whether a given phone has been reported as lost or stolen, which is particularly useful when investigating handsets seized during a raid on a suspicious retail outlet or as part of a stop and search. Owners who register their phone at www.immobilise.com enjoy the following benefits:

• Getting their phone back: If they lose their phone or have it stolen, they have a better chance of getting it back because their contact details can be found on the Register

• Getting their own back: By registering their phone and contact details on the website, they provide the Police with an excellent starting point for investigating suspected incidents of mobile phone theft – we have come across many examples of offenders who have been caught and brought to justice directly through the use of the Register

thehandsomeone

Well, so where should I register my mobile in the end? Does it make any difference at all?

zx2011

There is only one database.

MEND is the actual database system that www.immobilise.com uses.

It makes no difference which site you use.