If your phone is stolen at the beach, act fast: use another device to locate and lock it, change your key passwords, contact your carrier to block the SIM, and report it to police so you have a reference number for insurance. Then make sure there's nothing worth taking next time by keeping your phone on you.
In the first hour
- Locate and lock it. Use Find My (Apple) or Find My Device (Android) from a friend's phone or a computer. Mark it as lost so it locks and shows a contact number.
- Don't chase it yourself. If the map shows a location, give it to police rather than confronting anyone.
- Secure your accounts. Change your email and banking passwords, and sign the lost phone out of your accounts.
- Call your carrier to suspend the SIM so it can't be used for calls or verification codes.
- Call your bank if your phone has cards in a wallet app and you're worried.
Later that day
- Report it to police and get a reference number.
- Check your insurance. Home contents and travel insurance may cover it.
- Ask the lifeguards or local council whether anything has been handed in.
If you're travelling overseas
Report the theft to local police for your insurer, and if your passport was taken too, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
How to stop it happening again
Most beach thefts are opportunistic: a bag left on a towel while everyone swims. Take only what you need, and carry it on you.
Our swim shorts have a hidden waterproof pocket, sealed by magnets and IPX8-rated to 30 metres, so your phone, card and key come into the water with you. Try the men's swim and travel shorts, our men's black swim shorts or women's swim shorts.
“Love this shorts! Much safer having car keys and phone on me instead of in a bag on the beach.” Richard W.
FAQs
Can police track a stolen phone?
Give them the location from Find My or Find My Device. Don't try to recover it yourself.
Does insurance cover phones stolen at the beach?
Some home contents and travel policies do. Check your policy and keep your police reference number.
