Cambridge is officially the top spot in the UK for mobile phone theft and fraud, according to a survey by life assistance business CPP.

The city was followed by Leicester, London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Sheffield, all of which registered more than 10 per cent of residents as having had their phones stolen.

CPP's research also showed that women were more vulnerable than men, and that one in five of all 16-24 year-olds had been victims of mobile theft or fraud.

The most popular hunting grounds for mobile phone thieves are pubs and clubs, where more than a quarter of crimes are committed.

"The constantly high rate of mobile phone theft reflects the fact that Britons are still not doing enough to protect their valuables," said John Walkley, head of mobile phone security at CPP Phonesafe.

"It is important to remember that your mobile phone is worth more than its retail price. Once stolen, fraudsters can use all the information it carries and engage in criminal activities."

Top 10 UK cities for mobile phone theft:

Cambridge (20 per cent)
Leicester (19 per cent)
London (15.5 per cent)
Birmingham (13.7 per cent)
Glasgow (12.1 per cent)
Sheffield (11.8 per cent)
Manchester (9.4 per cent)
Liverpool and Southampton (9.2 per cent)
Newcastle (8.7 per cent)

Likeliest location for theft:

Pub (14.8 per cent)
Club (11.7 per cent)
High Street/Restaurant (7.2 per cent)
Home (6.3 per cent)
Holiday abroad (5.8 per cent)
At work (5.4 per cent)
Shop (4 per cent)
Bus (3.1 per cent)
Supermarket (3.1 per cent)
Train (2.7 per cent)