Getting your house broken into is one thing; security systems aside, there’s not really anything you can do about it. The South African adage long ago became, “If they want in, they’ll get in,” – an unfortunate truism in our country. Getting your pocket picked, however, is just friggin embarrassing. Know that some bottom-dwelling, greasy-palmed, purse plucker had his or her hand in your pocket, fiddling around scant inches from your happy place, is borderline insulting. If someone’s diving wrist-deep into your crotch-pocket, fishing for a pay-off, the least they could offer is a gratitude tickle.
For you Smart phone owners out there, however, there’s some good news. It seems that there are several ways to track you phone after it’s been nabbed.
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| Because remaining sober is way too much effort |
Some built in software, some third party apps, all readily available for download, easy to install and simple to run, none of which require any shoddy interference from the police. A computer, a cell number or online account, some duct-tape, a balaclava, coarse river-salt, a can of lighter fluid, a carpet knife, a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, some nylon rope and a pack of zip-ties is all you need, in other words, to get your phone back, and perhaps dish out a little retribution while you’re at it, Kevin Bacon style.
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| The shaved head is optional, but highly recommended |
These clever methods are courtesy of Cooltech at iafrica.com.
iPhone/iPod Touch
There are a few things you'll need to do before you can remotely track your iPhone or iPod. You'll first need to make sure that you're running iOS 4.2 or later. This can be checked by going to "Settings", choosing "General" and then "About".
If you're running an earlier version, you can update your device by plugging it into your computer and running iTunes.
Once your device is updated, go to "Settings" and choose "Mail, Contacts, Calendars". From there, you should tap the "Add Account" button and select "MobileMe", using your Apple ID to sign up.
You'll then be sent an email to verify your MobileMe account – simply click "verify now" and sign in with your Apple ID.
You can then return to the MobileMe screen (Settings > Mails, Contacts, Calendars) and switch on "Find My iPod/iPhone".
To track the device from a computer, visit me.com and sign in using your Apple ID. Your device will then be displayed on a map, giving you a rough guide as to where it is.
There are also a few other options you can use, such as wiping your device or remote-locking it.
Android devices
Arguably the best tracking application on the Android platform is Lookout Security and Antivirus. This nifty app also allows you to track your phone from a web browser, by visiting mylookout.com. Of course, you'll need to register for the service via the app first.
Another option for tracking your Android device is Plan B, by the same developers, which can even be downloaded after you've lost your phone.
You'll first need to install the software from the Android Market onto your lost phone, Plan B will then automatically send your phone's location to your Gmail address.
To find your phone again, simply text the word "locate" from any phone to your lost device.
Windows Phone 7
Microsoft has included a Find My Phone feature on every Windows Phone 7 handset, allowing you to track your phone on windowsphone.com.
To start, go to "Settings" and then "Find My Phone", turning the option on.
You'll then need to visit windowsphone.com and log in with your Windows Live ID to get started.
From here, you can view your photos, add events to your calendar and edit your contacts. But you'll want to choose the "Find My Phone" link. From here, you can remotely lock your handset, make it ring, erase it, or find it on a map.
Blackberry
There are few options for tracking on the Blackberry App World, but SmrtGuard stands out as the best.
This free app also allows you to track your phone's whereabouts or remote-lock it via the SmrtGuard website, making it worth a download.
(sic)
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