In Paris, violent thefts on the Métro, trains and buses rose 40% in 2010, and police say that more than half of the thefts in recent months involved cell phones, particularly “smartphones” (iPhones seem to be targeted).
Security tips — be cautious of where and when you pull your phone out in public; keep it in a zipped pocket, and avoid sitting or standing next to an exit door (thieves snatch and run).
So that you can quickly cancel service if your phone is stolen, write down a contact number for your cell phone service provider plus your account number and the phone’s serial number (usually printed under the battery or, with many phones, you can just type *#06# and it will come up). Keep this list is a place separate from your phone.