Gardai are launching a new campaign to highlight the increasing problem of mobile phone theft. Over 12,000 phones worth an estimated €5 million were stolen from people during the last year.

It represents an increase of 33% on the figures for the previous 12 months. While more than 1,000 people were arrested for stealing smartphones over the last year.

Gardai says that high value smartphones are being targeted by criminal gangs.

They are calling on smartphone owners to be more vigilant, particularly when they are out socialising as it gets closer to Christmas.

They also advise people not to use their phones while walking on the street as - the gardai say - it means you can be distracted and will not be able to react to prevent your device being taken from you in mid-sentence.

The Garda Síochána recommend taking the following steps to reduce the chances of your phone being stolen:

• Register your mobile/smart phone with your Service Provider
• Take note of your unique IMEI number for your mobile/smart phone and store it in a location other than your phone. (The IMEI number for your phone is located on the back of your phone underneath the battery or by dialling *#06# on your keypad)
• Enable the PIN Security feature and keep your phone locked at all times
• When out and about, keep your phone out of public view
• Never leave your phone behind in an unattended vehicle
• Property mark your phone with unique letters or numbers
• Avoid making calls or texting while crossing the road
• If making or receiving a call in public, always do so with your back up against the wall or a shop window etc. so as to reduce chances of theft from behind
• If you have a smart phone, consider downloading a location finder App

Sergeant Alan Roughneen is from the National Crime Prevention Unit. He says people need to be more vigilant.