Martin Lewis has urged everyone with a mobile phone to dial a five-digit code and screengrab the result

It’s so rare that you’ll know someone who doesn’t own a mobile phone these days. These little squares have become a vital component of daily life, which is why it can be all the more annoying when they get stolen.

The devices that feel like that our whole lives are in, can be snatched in the blink of an eye and be a major inconvenience. And with technological advancements, it’s easier for thieves to target bank accounts.

But there are ways owner can protect their devices, as well as important information and one way to do this is by using a simple code. The useful tip has been backed by finance guru Martin Lewis, who previously explained why every phone owner should dial it as soon as, reports the Express.

The Money Saving Expert founder shared this advice on his ITV show in 2025, following reports at the time that phone thefts have surged by 40 percent, as criminals increasingly target individuals’ financial information via their mobile devices.

He stressed the importance of immediate action to secure handsets against unauthorised access in the event of theft, thereby reducing the risk of thieves draining bank accounts through stolen phones.

Martin advised viewers to modify key settings on iPhone, Samsung and Google phones for enhanced protection, including text message settings.

Speaking on his March 11 episode of Martin Lewis Money Show Live last year, he said: “Mobile security tips – thefts are up 40 percent in London but they’re going up right across the country too.

“Now the crucial thing, they’re not just trying to nick your phone, some of them are trying to access your financial data from your phone.”

“You have to protect yourselves on this, folks.”

Martin recommended the use of remote tracking apps such as Apple’s Find My, Samsung’s SmartThings or Google Android’s Find My Device to locate stolen phones and suspend payments.

He further suggested enabling biometric features like fingerprint ID sign-in on both mobile devices and banking apps, and emailing oneself a screenshot after dialling the provided code.

Martin advised: “Now, this one sounds a bit peculiar. Dial *#06# to get your IMEI image then take a screenshot and save it.

“That’s what you’ll need to provide to the police if your phone is stolen. Screenshot it and assuming you can access your email not just on your phone, I would just email it to yourself so you’ve got a copy somewhere.”

Lastly, Martin emphasised that ‘possibly the most crucial’ tip is to ensure two-factor authentication does not appear on your lock screen.

He explained: “Many people have that appear on their lock screen so when your phone’s locked, the code still appears. You don’t want that. It means if someone gets your phone they can get the code. So what you need to do to prevent that is turn off your ‘preview notifications’. It will still tell you you’ve had a message but it won’t display your code on your message. Everyone please do that one. It’s a nightmare if you’ve not done it.”

The Martin Lewis Money Show Live episode from March 11, 2025, is still available for viewing via ITVX.

Aldi is serving up the role of pie-tester to celebrate the launch its Specialbuy range of 13 pies, which is now available across all stores.

The Pie Tester will play a pivotal role in understanding the desirability of each pie, assessing everything from the crust quality and filling consistency to the flavour balance and overall harmony of the ingredients.

Their insights will be shared with customers to help guide them when making that crucial pie-purchasing decision and will be used to help inform the selection of Aldi pies in the future.

To be considered, pie-lovers simply have to provide a short summary of what makes them suitable for the position. As a thank you for their efforts, the final candidate will also be treated to a year’s worth of free pies. To apply, they should visit the Aldi website here.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK said: “At Aldi, we take our pies very seriously. Our range has been carefully crafted to appeal to Britain’s love of pies, combining high-quality baking with much-loved local flavours.

Aldi looking for pie-tester

“Our Pie Tester will have the enviable task of tasting and reviewing the range to help us understand which flavours really hit the spot. If you’re passionate about pastry and serious about sampling, we want to hear from you. No previous pie-tasting experience required!”

On sale now are Steak & Ale, Chicken & Mushroom and Cheesy Bean pies, to elevated options like Venison & Merlot, Hog Roast, Stuffing & Apple, and BBQ Pulled Pork pies, shoppers are urged to act quickly to avoid missing out, with pies in stock for a limited time only.

The deadline for applications is Friday 27th March 2026.

More information can be found on Aldi’s website.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the US-Israeli airstrikes which killed his father.

The 56-year-old assumed the top position after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial strikes on Iran, but has not been seen in public since.

Mojtaba Khamenei had been lightly wounded in the strikes but continued to operate, an Iranian official told Reuters.

The new supreme leader has long been a secretive figure within Iran and has not given any public statement since being appointed by an assembly of Iranian clerics on Sunday.

Mr Khamenei lost his father, mother, wife and other relatives during the Israeli airstrike on 28 February.

Speculation has been mounting about the health of the new supreme leader, with Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, referring to reports that he had been injured.

In a post on Telegram, he said: “I heard news about Mr Mojtaba being injured. I asked friends who were in contact. They said, thank God, he is healthy and there is no problem.”

A state television anchor also appeared to confirm rumours that Mr Khamenei had been hurt, describing him as a “janbaz” or “wounded veteran” of the Ramadan War, the name Iran has given to the conflict.

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Mojtaba Khamenei ‘is a hunted man’ from the start

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‘Target for ​elimination’

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) backed the relative unknown as the new supreme leader, viewing him as a more pliant version of his father, who would support their hardline stance.

It’s likely the younger Khamenei has sought to keep a low profile due to the risk of further US-Israeli strikes.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel ⁠Katz said last week that any leader appointed by ⁠the current Iranian leadership ​would “be an unequivocal target for ​elimination”.

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Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-oldest son of the late supreme leader, and a hard-line conservative who served in the Habib battalion of the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, allowing him to build support within its ranks.

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He has also been linked to the violent suppression of protests in Iran.

Although he studied in the holy city of Qom, he was only a mid-ranking cleric, not a senior ayatollah like his father.

He bears a strong resemblance to his father, and wears the black turban of a sayyed, indicating his family traces its lineage back to the Prophet Mohammad.

By allowing Mr Khamenei to inherit the role, the assembly of experts has, in effect, created a dynasty, a move that defies the tradition of selecting the next supreme leader on credentials alone.

US President Donald Trump had previously branded the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader as “unacceptable”.

“We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” he said.

The new system means sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, instead of filling in an annual tax return.

Self-employed people and landlords in Lanarkshire are being urged to ensure they are ready for a major change to the tax system.

Charity Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free service taxadvice.scot, said its advisers are on hand to help those struggling to get to grips with new HMRC rules.

Around 780,000 people across the UK, including tens of thousands of Scots, are making the switch to the ‘Making Tax Digital’ system from April 6. A further 970,000 people will be required to join the scheme in 2027.

The new system means sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC, instead of filling in an annual tax return.

Those who are eligible will also need to use specialist computer software to create, store and correct their records, and send the quarterly updates.

Advice Direct Scotland said eligible taxpayers should start preparing for the changes immediately, if they have not already done so, and urged anyone requiring help to get in touch.

The charity said moving to digital recordkeeping could make managing tax easier in the long run, by reducing errors and saving time.

It also means less time spent searching for paperwork at the end of the tax year, as records can be updated by business owners as they go.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This is a major change for self-employed people and landlords in how they manage their finances, and anyone affected should take action now.

READ MORE: Court fine for cocaine binge knife yob after ‘extreme alarm’ in pub

“It promises to be a positive move, as going digital can simplify recordkeeping, reduce the stress of tax season, and free up time to focus on business development.

“But with the April 6 deadline fast approaching, now is the time to check if you are among those affected and take action. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

“These types of changes can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. Advice and support is available at taxadvice.scot, or by calling 0800 756 3381.

“If you’re unsure, don’t struggle on alone. Asking for help is the smart move to stay ahead.”

READ MORE: Police found cannabis plants worth £150,000 when they raided house in Wishaw

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Karl joins from London-based legal firm Russells, where he headed up its Private Wealth team for the last six years.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, Head of Private Client Services at Raworths said: “Karl’s superb communication skills and empathetic approach make him an ideal fit for the firm.

“His existing client portfolio will give our talented team the opportunity to apply their outstanding legal knowledge to a range of issues.

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“In addition, the expertise we offer from our wider private client and commercial specialists will be extremely beneficial to Karl’s clients.”

Karl Dembicki said: “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to build a strong private client practice, including several household names across the worlds of media and entertainment for whom I have acted as a trusted adviser on personal and estate planning matters.

“Many have chosen to continue working with me and have already transitioned their work to Raworths following my move to Harrogate, which reflects the trust developed over the years.

Since 2024, the Trusts, Wills and Estates team has been led by joint heads Alison Walker and Sam Jenner, enabling Rachel Tunnicliffe – the former Head of Trusts, Wills and Estates who led the team for a decade – to expand her other leadership roles as Senior Partner at Raworths and Head of Private Client Services.

Rachel added: “Alison and Sam have proven themselves to be an inspirational leadership duo – taking the team forward by nurturing our next generation of talent whilst growing its client portfolio.

“With their continued leadership and Karl on board – we can continue to grow our reputation as a centre of excellence for clients, wherever they are based.”

Raworths provides integrated commercial and private client services and employs more than 70 people at its single centre base in Harrogate, including 25 in Trusts, Wills and Estates.

He was found guilty following a trial

A man has been jailed after picking up a third conviction for knife crime offences. Raul Maretic-Ramon, 23, was jailed for two and a half years on Monday (March 9) at Cambridgeshire Crown Court after he previously denied threatening a person with a knife in Cathedral Square, Peterborough.

He was detained by Peterborough City Council enforcement officers and arrested by police. He later admitted to being in possession of cannabis.

Maretic-Ramos, of Manor Gardens, Stanground, Peterborough, denied threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place but was found guilty following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court in December. He appeared at the same court on Monday (9 March) and was jailed for 30 months.

Police Constable Jordan Pleyer said: “Maretic-Ramos threatened the victim in the middle of the afternoon, and we believe it was witnessed by young people. Possessing a knife is dangerous for the carrier and others, and we have seen the tragic consequences too many times. I am glad the sentence reflects the severity of the offence.”

Police have urged anyone with information about someone carrying a knife to report it to the police online or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.

Punters have criticised the cost of Guinness at Cheltenham Festival 2026 despite the price being reduced from £7.80 to £7.50, with social media users calling it “disgraceful”

Racegoers have continued to voice their frustration over Guinness prices, despite a reduction following complaints from festival attendees.

The famous Irish stout remains the beverage of choice for many amongst the tens of thousands descending upon the Cotswolds for the four-day racing festival.

However, last year’s festivities left a bitter taste when punters discovered they’d be paying an eye-watering £7.80 for a pint of Guinness, with the alcohol-free alternative costing just 40p less.

Other beers offered little respite, with ‘premium lager’ set at £7.40 and Doom Bar matching the standard Guinness price. Festival organisers seem to have listened to the feedback, reducing the cost of a regular Guinness to a slightly more reasonable £7.50 for the 2026 event.

The non-alcoholic Guinness option has been set marginally cheaper at £7.30. Premium lager and Doom Bar remain at their 2025 prices.

In positive news for Guinness lovers, the festival will allow alcohol consumption in front of the grandstand along the rails for the first time, meaning visitors can enjoy their drinks whilst watching the races unfold.

Despite the price reduction, many attendees remained unhappy about the cost of the dark brew. One person on social media branded it “Disgraceful”, whilst another remarked, “And that’s why more and more people are going abroad to watch it.”

Guinness is amongst a small number of items experiencing price cuts at Cheltenham, although accommodation costs remain eye-wateringly expensive.

An average five-night stay now sits at £3,772, based on Booking.com figures, whilst renting a three-bedroom townhouse close to the racecourse for the four days will set you back £8,812.

At the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, Airbnb prices ranged from a one-bedroom cottage nine miles from the course at £579 to a single-bedroom flat under two miles away for £2,500. The cheapest option available on Booking.com was a guest house four miles from the track priced at £1,033.

Festival organisers have introduced measures aimed at making the event more accessible and wallet-friendly for the typical racegoer. Ladies Day is returning after a seven-year absence.

Event organisers expect this decision will draw a wave of female attendees, with £10,000 worth of prizes available for the best-dressed participant. Furthermore, the daily capacity has been cut by 2,500 to 66,000 to provide a more pleasant experience for visitors, with less congested stands and reduced waiting times for refreshments.

Multi-ticket packages were made available to bring down the cost of entry. These alterations mark the most substantial transformation in Cheltenham’s 166-year history.

Whilst the event itself may be more affordable to attend, the heightened demand has driven up accommodation prices across the region, something that lies outside the remit of racing authorities. Legendary jockey-turned-pundit Ruby Walsh has given his backing to the changes, saying: “I’m very impressed with the changes. I think less is always more, so bringing down the capacity to me is a no-brainer.

“There has to be a customer experience. People have to walk out thinking, ‘I want to go there again’. Ladies’ Day? I’m all in a dither. I have no idea what hat I’m going to wear! I am a man with a girl’s name so I’d better make an effort.”

I’ve been wearing period pants for over five years, trialling almost every brand on the market, and I’ll never look back.

Just like regular underwear, pants for your period come in a range of styles – high-waisted, bikini, midi, hipster, shorts and so on – but with an absorbent lining to hold menstrual blood. They’re also good for soaking up little leaks, which can be useful postpartum or throughout the menopause.

Ranging in price from £10 for a pack of three pants to £60 for a pair of period leggings, there are styles to suit every activity and flow, including period thongs and swimwear. I’ve worn period pants from specialists Modibodi, Bodyform and Wuka, high street retailers like M&S and Primark and independent brands like Nixi.

Aside from comfort, the average person uses up to 11,000 period products in their lifetime, mostly ending up in landfill (it takes 500 to 800 years for a standard disposable pad to break down) and creating microplastic pollution. Period underwear is worn, washed and worn again, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option over the years. Here are my favourite five.

The best period pants: At a glance