Gardaí have warned against making mobile phone calls in public places in a bid to reduce the chances of having the phone stolen.

They issued the advice as part of a series of steps to cut street crime.

Gardaí said if someone has to make a call in public they should stand with their back against a wall to reduce the likelihood of being attacked from behind.

Gardaí also advise people walking through cities and towns to plan their route and only use well-lit roads.

They also published data on the prevalence of street crime based on type of crime and time of day.

This showed 25 per cent of all mobile phone thefts occured between midnight and 4am.

Mobile phones, cash and credit cards were the most common items stolen during street thefts, a third of which involve a “snatch and grab” in a public place.

Gardaí said half of all street thefts and assaults happen between Friday and Sunday.

“We want people to enjoy themselves when out, and taking a few easy steps can greatly reduce the chances of their day or night being ruined,” said Sgt Alan Roughneen of the National Crime Prevention Unit.

“These include remaining observant, be conscious of your alcohol intake, don’t make it easy for a thief to take your phone by leaving it on the table, and avoid walking in dark locations”.