Theft Alerts Introduced by Lookout to Help Prevent Phone Thievery; Well, at Least Recover Some Devices

According to Lookout, 3.1 million Americans have their devices stolen every year. I suppose I am lucky that in all my years of having a phone, any kind of phone, I have never had one stolen. Broke a few, but never stolen or lost. The fact of the matter is that it happens a lot more than I think it does. There are plenty of apps out there to help slow the numbers and thwart thieves. Heck, Android Device Manager isn’t to terrible at keeping track of your phone and then there is Ceberus who does quite a bit more. Another one is Lookout Mobile. They have announced an update to their app that will help catch the crook more so than help prevent them from high-jacking your device in the first place.

With the update there are 5 Theft Alerts that can be triggered. These are the 5 most common things a thief would do after snatching your device.

• Entering the wrong password
• Removing the SIM card
• Turning on Airplane Mode
• Powering off the device
• Removing Lookout as a device administrator

If any of  those things happen, Lookout will do a number of things. First it will take a snapshot with the camera. Which will only matter if the device is facing the culprit when they enter the wrong password,  turn on Airplane mode or possibly power down the device. It will also pull the exact GPS location of the device. Then it will email them both to you.

Can’t blame them for trying, even if they are a little behind. Considering that lookout is a pretty standard install on device from carriers like T-Mobile, I am sure it will benefit the more standard end-user. That is assuming they choose to sign-up for a premium account for either $2.99 a month or $29.99 for a year. With the new update out Lookout is going to let current premium members have access to it now for the next week, that just means that free users won’t have a chance to try it out just yet. Once the week ends though, Lookout will be offering up free users a chance to give it a whirl through September 30th before being asked to sign up.

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