Mobile phones

It is likely that you will need to prove that you owned the mobile phone. Contact Police Scotland by dialling 101 to find out how to report the phone missing. You may be able to report it over the telephone or you may need to report in person to your local police station with a copy of the contract or box for your phone. The police need a record of the IMEI number for your mobile phone so that it can be recognised as your phone if it is handed in or recovered.

The IMEI/serial number on your phone is a number that is unique to your mobile phone. To find out what your IMEI number is type *#06# into your phone.

Below are contact details for the main mobile phone network providers:

3 - 0333 338 1001
O2 -0344 809 0222
T Mobile - 1-800-937-8997
Virgin - 0345 6000 789**
Vodafone - 0333 3040 191

Please note from 1st March 2017 the penalty for using a mobile phone whilst driving will increase to 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. Anyone who is caught a second time could potentially face a £1000 fine and a six-month ban from driving. The new penalties apply in England, Wales and Scotland.

If the mobile phone can be operated without it being held, then hands-free kits are permitted. The touching of buttons on the phone is allowed, as long as the phone is not being held whilst being operated.

If your mobile phone is blue tooth compatible then you can buy a blue tooth head kit. If your phone is not blue tooth compatible then the best option is probably a speakerphone kit.

There are, however, still risks using a mobile phone whilst driving, as they are a distraction. If you are involved in an incident and even using a mobile phone legally, you could still face prosecution for failing to have proper control over your vehicle.

It is far easier to steal a mobile phone when it is in use or on display. When you are using your mobile phone in a public place try and be aware of your surroundings and anyone that is perhaps standing too close to you. In order to help prevent theft of your mobile phone keep your mobile phone in a secure place on your person or in your bag.

You can also protectively mark your mobile phone, for further information on protective marking please see the question below:

I've heard that the police to protective marking on property, am I eligible?

The police do not need to see proof that you owned the phone or see the phone's box or contract. If you need to find the IMEI/serial number (a number that is unique to your mobile phone) you can do so by typing *#06# into your phone. It can also be obtained from calling your network provider.

See the website in related information which allows you to register free any property with a serial number.

It is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone or an "interactive communications device", but there is an exemption for a two way radio which is designed or adapted:

• (i) for the purpose of transmitting and receiving spoken messages; and
• (ii) operates on any frequency other than 880 MHz to 915 MHz, 925 MHz to 960 MHz, 1710 MHz to 1785 MHz, 1805 MHz to 1880 MHz, 1900 MHz to 1980 MHz or 2110 MHz to 2170 MHz.

Ofcom states that you should be transmitting CB in the 27MHz range, if you are, you come within the exception and are OK. The exception was created because so many government and private organisations (e.g. taxis) use 2 way radios.

However, there is strong scientific evidence that any such activity (including fiddling with your CD player etc.) does raise the level of danger so far as accidents are concerned, so it is recommended that you do whatever you can to minimise use of transmitter buttons, tuning devices and volume controls. If something akin to hands free exists it would be a good idea.