DRUNK youngsters have inspired police to launch a ‘phone safety’ initiative.

Durham Police are hoping to work with mobile phone providers in a bid to help students track lost phones.

The initiative is being set up following a number of reports from people who claim not to be able to remember whether their phones have been lost or stolen during nights out.

PC Christopher Horner, of Durham Constabulary, has been doing a study on phone crime.

He said: “There are lots of instances of people ringing us after drinking a lot the night before saying their phones have been stolen but because they can't remember much they can give us little information.

“We look at CCTV footage and in some cases there is a possibility their phones have been stolen but the majority have not been mugged at all, they have just lost phones while drunk.”

In a bid to reduce lost phones, PC Horner plans to circulate a leaflet with information about phone tracking applications and ways of backing up data.

Advising youngsters to buy a cheap mobile to take on nights out, he said: “Everybody who owns an expensive mobile should know the IMEI number, a unique number that can help locate the device if it’s stolen or lost.

“Our lives are run by our expensive mobile phones and it is important we take the proper precautions to keep them safe and the best way to prevent phone theft or loss is through education.”

For more information on mobile phone safety visit Durham Constabulary's Facebook page or call 01325-406786.