Because of the availability and cheapness of technology such as MP3 players, more and more teenagers are carrying them around; making them targets for criminals looking to make an easy haul.

MP3 players are easy to sell second hand; they’re small and light and make ideal items for thieves to go after.

Research published by the Design Council for the Home Office shows that most teenagers between the age of eleven and sixteen have some for of gadget with them when they are out, whether that is a mobile phone, MP3 player or hand held games console.

Their research also states that 12% of the teenagers were victims of theft of one of their technology devices in the last 3 years. That’s one in eight teenagers having their MP3 player or mobile phone stolen in the last few years.

It doesn’t help either that the teenagers tend to be obvious about their technology when they are out. 31% of those teenagers were using their equipment at the time of the theft, either listening to music, playing on their consoles or texting on their phone.

The Home Secretary stated:

We know that young people remain more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators.

Young people need to be careful when they are out and ensure that they do not show of their MP3 players as they are targets for crime.