Operation Ruby

West Midlands Police is working hard to reduce robbery and tackle those involved in committing robberies across the region. This work is known as #OpRuby.

How it works

Reducing robbery offences is a force priority here in the West Midlands. We are running Operation Ruby to tackle those committing crime while working to spread crime prevention messaging across the region so people can take all reasonable steps possible to help keep themselves and their belongings safe.

Our top tip is to save and store your phone's IMEI number now. This will be needed should your phone ever be lost or stolen, but often people don't know this information and by then it's too late.

• to find your IMEI number dial *#06#
• you will receive a pop-up of barcodes and IMEI numbers that are unique to your phone
• save that information somewhere other than your phone - if taking a screenshot, send it to an email address you can access outside of your phone or write it down somewhere
• this information could help police track your phone and return it to you if it is stolen in the future

Here are some general safety tips you can follow to help you feel safer and reduce your chances of becoming a victim:

• be aware of who is around you at a cash point. Use the machine inside a bank or building society if possible and alert bank staff to any suspicious activity
• don’t let headphones restrict your ability to hear traffic, strangers or potential trouble
• never leave your mobile phone in plain sight on a bar or restaurant table. It may be within your reach but it will also be within reach of a thief
• don’t hang your handbag on the back of a chair, out of your sight under a table or leave it unattended
• it takes a matter of seconds for valuable contents, such as your mobile phone or purse, to be gone
• working on your laptop in a coffee shop? Keep all of your electronic devices together in one place and put them away safely when not in use
• listen to your instincts - if you don't feel safe move to a busier area
• know your route and avoid badly-lit streets
• always try and tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
• if you take a different route home from your friends, let each other know that you've arrived safely. Call or text your friend once you arrive home safely
• carry your bag securely. Put the strap across your body and make sure the fasteners are facing you
• avoid carrying your wallet or phone in your back pocket and never hold it out on display

Selecta DNA offer a property marking kit for Fine Art & Jewellery so if you wear valuable jewellery we advise that you mark this. You can get 50% off this kit by signing up to our free WMNow alert service - the discount code can be found in your welcome email.

If you feel you're in danger

• if you still think you're being followed, try to get away from the situation. If necessary, raise alarm and awareness
• seek help from someone such as a shopkeeper or hotel receptionist
• if you are worried, frightened or think you may be in danger, call 999
• if you are robbed, try to remember as much detail as you can, for example, descriptions of offenders and contact us

Track your smartphone or tablet computer

• turn on your location or share your location with someone you trust so you can track this
• tracker applications use your device’s internet connection and in-built global positioning system to plot the location of your phone or tablet
• in many instances, the tracker application is free and already pre-loaded to your smartphone or tablet, it just needs to be activated. Find out how to do this by visiting Techadvisor.
• the application can assist the user and the police in tracking a stolen device and sometimes even allows remote activation of the device’s camera to capture the face and surroundings of a thief
• always let the officer dealing with your theft know that you have traced your device
• if your smart device pings in an unknown location do not visit the location or confront the individual without talking to the police

You can report something stolen online or call us on 101.