Irish mobile users are being urged to take urgent steps to protect their phones amid rising thefts targeting financial information.
Gardai have urged phone users to dial a five digit code(Image: Getty Images)
All mobile phone users in Ireland are being urged to dial a five digit code and save the result immediately, following warnings about a rise in phone thefts targeting financial information.
Both gardai and tech experts are advising users to take this urgent step to protect their handsets amid the risk of thieves emptying bank accounts.
Figures show that over 5,850 mobile phones were reported stolen across Ireland in 2024, with the average value of stolen devices rising to over €650 in early 2025.
Gardai have warned that thieves are not just stealing phones for resale, but are increasingly trying to access people’s financial information through them.
Officers are urging all Irish phone users to dial *#06# on their phones and take a screenshot of the result, then email it to themselves so it can be accessed if the phone is lost or stolen.
The number displayed is your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) – a unique 15 digit code that acts as a “fingerprint” for your smartphone or tablet. Your IMEI can also be used by your network provider or by gardai to block a stolen device, preventing it from being used.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Take a careful note of your unique 15 digit mobile phone IMEI number. The IMEI number will be on the original box or located on the back of your phone underneath the battery, or you can locate it by dialling *#06# on your keypad, screenshot the series of barcodes and email it to yourself.
“If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to An Garda Siochana and contact your Service Provider in order to have your IMEI number blocked, so that it can’t be used.”
Financial journalist and consumer rights expert Martin Lewis also highlighted the importance of the IMEI during his ITV Money Show Live.
He said: “Now, this one sounds a bit weird. Dial *#06# to get your IMEI image then screengrab and save it. That is what you’re gonna need to give to police if your phone is stolen.
“Screen grab it and assuming you can access your email not just on your phone, I would just email it to yourself so you’ve got a copy somewhere.”
Gardai’s top tips to keep your phone safeRegister your mobile phone with your Service Provider.Take a careful note of your unique 15 digit mobile phone IMEI number.The IMEI number will be on the original box or located on the back of your phone underneath the battery, or you can locate it by dialling *#06# on your keypad, screenshot the series of barcodes and email it to yourself).Enable the PIN Security feature and or biometrics option and keep your phone locked when not in use.When out and about, keep your mobile phone out of public view, be streetwise and always be aware of your surroundings.Property mark your phone with unique personal letters or numbers.Avoid making calls or texting on your phone while crossing the road.If making or receiving a mobile phone call in public, always do so with full awareness of your surroundings so that you can reduce the opportunity for the phone to be stolen.If you a have a smart phone, consider downloading a location finder App.Consider disabling airplane mode in the quick settings menu (swipe down) or control centre.Your smartphone may be vulnerable to cyber threats, consider downloading an official mobile security app to protect against potential viruses and other malware.If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to An Garda Siochana and contact your Service Provider in order to have your IMEI number blocked, so that it can’t be used.Never leave your mobile phone behind in an unattended vehicle.
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