Make it easier to get your smart phone back if it's stolen

More than 7,000 mobile phones, most of them smart phones, have been stolen since the beginning of 2015.

Gardaí say they are worth almost €3m.

Up to 60% of thefts and robberies involve stealing a mobile phone and most of them happen between 10pm and 4am.

In a campaign to coincide with St Patrick's Day, which generally sees an increase in this type of crime, they are also warning people to beware of thieves and pickpockets.

Gardaí are recommending that people should record the IMEI details of their smart phone.

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Unit said: "An Garda Síochána strongly recommends that smart phone owners record details of their IMEI number. Only one in three people have this unique number when reporting their smart phone stolen.

"Knowing your IMEI number is important for several reasons. Firstly, An Garda Síochána can reunite recovered smart phones far easier if the IMEI number is reported to us at the time of theft or loss.

"Secondly, if the phone is registered with a service provider the IMEI number can be blocked on the networks, rendering the phone useless for anything other than parts. Thirdly, convicting the thief or handler of the phone becomes more straightforward if an injured party has been identified."

To access and record your IMEI number;

1. Simply dial *#06#

2. A 15 digit number will appear on your screen

3. Take a screen shot of this number (this usually involves holding the power button and home button simultaneously, handsets may vary).

4. Email this picture to yourself, giving you a permanent record of this number.