By Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald

It’s a cell phone, text messenger, Web browser, MP3 player and camera, all in one palm-sized gadget that sells for up to $400 and is all the rage among teenagers.

It’s also the latest target for thieves on the T.

MBTA police are warning riders about a series of “Sidekick” thefts - two dozen so far this year - that have taken place while people are text-messaging or talking on the phone.

“People get into it and just lose perception of where they are,” Lt. Michael Shea said yesterday at Forest Hills Station, where he handed out fliers warning riders, “Don’t be next . . . Watch when you text!”

“You have to be aware of your surroundings; otherwise, someone can come along and snatch it in a second.”

This week, a youngster was stabbed in the hand at Ruggles Station when a knife-wielding suspect stole his Sidekick and he resisted.

“I’m going to hide mine,” 15-year-old Rosa Baez of Hyde Park said after Shea stopped her in her tracks as she walked along, head down, fingers furiously typing. “It cost $380, and I use it all the time, so I don’t want to lose it.”

“The more expensive they are, the more kids want them,” Sgt. Christopher Maynard said after telling one girl chatting on her Sidekick, “Be careful, OK?”

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