The Telecommunications Carriers Forum, whose members include all the major telecommunications companies, introduced a lost and stolen phone blacklist last December.
More than 32,000 stolen mobiles have been blocked from Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees' networks since last year, an industry group says.
The Telecommunications Carriers Forum (TCF), whose members include all the major telecommunications companies, introduced a lost and stolen phone blacklist last December.
Blocking stolen phones from their networks significantly reduces their attractiveness to thieves, the TCF says.
Top five tips for mobile users
Be careful where you leave your phone – avoid café tables, bars, or having it hanging out of
Alternatively, the IMEI number should also be on a white label found underneath the battery of the device, or on the original
You can obtain your 15 digit IMEI number by pressing *#06# on your mobile phone.
Only purchase new or second hand phones from trustworthy sources – such as registered mobile dealers. If you are buying second hand, always check the status of the handset on the TCF website first: www.mindyourmobile.co.nz
If you lose your phone or you think it has been stolen, report this as soon as possible to your mobile provider. You cannot report lost or stolen devices through the TCF’s website.
Put a pin, password or other form of security on your phone and set it to automatically lock, so that only you can access calling, texting and other applications. Install an application like Apple's Find My Phone, which will allow you to track the phone over WiFi if you lose it, and to change or apply a PIN number remotely
