MORE than 1,000 pupils have been given advice and security kits from the police to prevent their mobile phones being stolen.

The Rhyddings County High School students were targeted after the Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership provided cash to buy the kits.

Pupils received a hologram sticker and ultra-violet pen to mark the property, as well as advice to make them more security conscious.

Police Constable Tracy Finn, the beat manager for Oswaldtwistle, said: "Hopefully we will see a reduction in the level of mobile phone thefts in the near future."

From April 2001 to March 2002, the most recent figures available, there were 471 mobile phones stolen in Hyndburn.