Over two million mobile phones are stolen each year costing the UK £390 million, according to new figures.

Halifax Home Insurance research revealed one handset is taken every 12 seconds and if you live in Lancaster, Wirral & Chester or Coventry – mobile phone theft hotspots - you are at a much higher risk.

Taking simple precautionary measures such as keeping a mobile out of sight and not using it outside after dark could save some consumers who are prayed upon by thieves as they walk the streets, claims the insurer.

And living in Ipswich, High Wycombe and Oxford can help as these have the lowest figures for mobile phone thefts.

"Mobile phones are constantly getting lighter and more compact which makes them easier for opportunistic thieves to swipe. Phone users should avoid 'walking and talking' and keep their mobiles out of sight whenever possible," said Vicky Emmott from Halifax.

Women are more at risk than men as recent British Crime Survey figures on mobile phone theft show 7.6 per cent of women have their mobiles stolen compared to 6.4 per cent of men.

For those unlucky enough to be a victim of theft with no insurance it is worth checking a home policy as a number of insurers cover mobile phones against theft, loss and damage as part of personal belongings cover.