David Ruffley MP, the Shadow Minister for Police Reform, has this week expressed his concern at new figures which show that children as young as 10 are falling victim to mobile phone theft in Suffolk.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 reveal that, in 2007, 157 children under the age of 15 fell victim to mobile phone theft in Suffolk. This figure was down marginally on the previous year, however, thefts from children aged 12- 13 were at their highest recorded level.

David has this week applauded Suffolk Constabulary for providing this detailed analysis and written to the Chief Constable, Simon Ash, asking for his input on what measures can be employed to warn both parents and children over the risks of mobile phone theft.

David said:

'I am sure that parents across Suffolk will find it worrying that children as young as 10 are falling victim to mobile phone theft and that thefts from 12 to 13-year-olds are at their highest recorded level.

'Over recent years more and more parents have provided their children with mobile phones and these figures reflect that increase. It is, of course, important for parents to be able to keep in contact with their children, however, mobile phones are valuable items and an attractive target for thieves.

'While not wanting to be alarmist, I would urge parents to be wary of this risk and encourage their children to be discreet when using their phone and to keep it in a safe location. The police can't tackle this problem on their own.

'We are fortunate in Suffolk to have an excellent police force and I have this week written to the Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary, Simon Ash, thanking him for providing these figures and asking what advice he has for parents and children to minimize the risk of phone theft.'