Mobile phone thieves are in for a shock if the phone they steal is protected by a new service from Remote XT. 

The phone will be locked and wiped of all data if the thief removes the SIM card, but will also let out an ear-piercing scream that can only be stopped by removing the battery. 

Phone data can also be backed up to Remote XT's servers, protecting the user's information.

Remote XT supports directives from the Home Office and the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) to fight rising handset theft. 

"The NMPCU focuses on reducing the market for stolen mobile phones by targeting those who handle or re-program stolen mobile phones and those who seek to export them," said detective superintendent Steve Bending.

"We are supportive of measures that make mobile phones less desirable items to steal and worthless in the hands of those who seek to profit from mobile phone criminality.

"Any opportunity to disable a mobile phone and render it useless should it be stolen, is welcomed."

Jack Wraith, chairman of the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum, added: "Any product which adds a level of security for the user and a barrier for the thief has to be good news." 

Home Secretary John Reid stated that the public should be free to carry valuable items on the streets, such as mobile phones and MP3 players, without "fear of becoming a target for robbers". 

Remote XT backs up the entire contents of a mobile phone either daily, weekly or monthly, or can be set to save data by the number of transactions carried out.

The service starts at £9.99 + VAT per month and is only compatible with phones running Microsoft's Windows Mobile or Symbian's S60, S80 and UIQ.