One in ten (11 per cent) of Sheffield residents have been a victim of mobile phone theft with 50 per cent of cases involving phones being snatched from their bags.

The study showed thieves are most likely to strike in the early evenings. Five in ten residents admitted falling victim to phone theft while out on the high street.

The last two weeks in August and September had the highest rates of phone theft in the city.

The poll of 2,050 people by life assistance business CPP revealed that Cambridge is the worst place to live when it comes to mobile phone crime.

According to the Metropolitan Police, as many as 10,000 mobile phones are stolen every month.

Detective Superintendent Mick McNally, head of the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) said:

"We encourage people to use their phones safely by being aware of the environment in which they use their phones. To reduce the risk use the security functions on your phone including PIN access, silent and vibrate mode."

John Walkley, Head of Mobile Phone Security at CPP Phonesafe said:

"The constantly high rate of mobile phone theft reflects the fact that Britons are still not doing enough to protect their valuables."

"We are all responsible for guarding our belongings against theft. It is important to remember that your mobile phone is worth a lot more than its retail price. Once it's stolen, fraudsters are able to use all the information it carries and engage in criminal activities."

Detective Superintendent Mick McNally gave the following advice if you lose your phone:

"Report the theft of your phone immediately to the police and service provider quoting the 15 digit serial number (IMEI) of the handset which can be provided by the net work provider."

"By registering your phone on a National data base that police have access to will significantly increases the potential of catching the thief and return of your phone."

Belfast and Norwich are the cities which experienced the fewest incidents of mobile phone theft.

Top ten cities for mobile phone theft:
1. Cambridge (20.0 per cent)
2. Leicester (19.0 per cent)
3. London (15.5 per cent)
4. Birmingham (13.7 per cent)
5. Glasgow (12.1 per cent)
6. Sheffield (11.8 per cent)
7. Manchester (9.4 per cent)
8. Liverpool and Southampton (9.2 per cent)
9. Newcastle (8.7 per cent)
10. Plymouth (7.8 per cent)

Likeliest location for theft:
1. Pub (14.8 per cent)
2. Club (11.7 per cent)
3. High Street/Restaurant (7.2 per cent)
4. Home (6.3 per cent)
5. Holiday abroad (5.8 per cent)
6. At work (5.4 per cent)
7. Shop (4.0 per cent)
8. Bus (3.1 per cent)
9. Supermarket (3.1 per cent)
10. Train (2.7 per cent)

CPP top tips to help keep your mobile safe:
1. Note down your IMEI number – printed on the inside of your handset's battery case – if your phone goes missing your service provider can use this number to blacklist your phone.
2. If your phone has a security code, remember to activate it. This means only your SIM card will work on your handset.
3. Be aware of who's close to you if you need to make a call in public.
4. Use your phone's vibrate facility if it has one, so you can decide whether it's safe before answering a call.
5. To help avoid abusive or bullying mobile calls or messages avoid giving out phone numbers to anyone other than close friends and family.
6. Try to keep your phone as close to you as you would your iPod or keys. It only takes a moment to be swiped by an opportunist.
7. Register your handset on the National Mobile Phone Register (www.immobilise.com). It increases the likelihood of lost and stolen phones being retuned to you.