Mobile Phone Ban Could Lead to Car Crime Rise

British police have warned a sporting event where the organisers plan to ban mobile phones from the venue could lead to a car crime spree. All visitors to the Royal Birkdale Golf Club for The Open tournament next month will face being searched and if they are carrying a mobile phone, they will be barred from entry.

The ban is to prevent mobile phones being used to take unauthorised photos - and to prevent loud ringtones disturbing the golf.

However, local police have warned if spectators are forced to leave their mobile phones in their cars, then there could be a sudden upsurge in car break-ins from opportunist thieves. While the golfing venue will offer secure storage for mobile phones, it is thought that most spectators will leave their phones in their cars simply to avoid the queues and hassle.

While police will step up patrols in the car parks - the admonition to attendees to remove all their valuables from their cars may be impossible to adhere to if their mobile phones have to be left behind.

Several other golfing venues have also instigated bans on mobile phones following complaints from the competitors.

Posted to the site on 29th June 2008