POLICE are launching a crackdown on mobile phone fraudsters, who report their phone as stolen just to claim the insurance.

The force has become concerned about the number of lost mobile phones that are being reported as stolen in order to obtain a crime reference number, enabling an insurance claim to be filed.

Officers are targeting mobile phone stores around the area, asking for their help in finding these fraudsters.

Detective Superintendent Vincent Petrykowski said: "False reporting of a crime is a very serious issue and we are taking determined action. Someone making a false insurance claim is committing a crime and when we catch people they will be put before the courts.

"These individuals are wasting police time and tying up resources used to investigate the false theft or robbery and searching for offenders. I urge people not to make fraudulent claims."

Mobile phone thieves are being targeted as part of the force's Operation Hawk, which was set up to tackle street crime and robbery.

Recent crime statistics show that most victims and robbers are young people of school age.

As school term begins again, police are urging youngsters to take care when using their phones to avoid becoming a victim.

The advice being given is: don't use your phone in crowded areas or where you feel unsafe; always use the security pin number; security mark the battery and phone with your postcode and street number; record your IMEI number, which is obtained by pressing *#06# and keep it in a safe place separate to your phone.

If you do discover that your phone is stolen it is important to report it to both the phone operator and the police as soon as possible.

From October, a new database will enable operators to cancel a phone as soon as it is stolen, just like a credit card.