UK Clamps Down on Mobile Phone Theft

The UK government has tighten the laws to prevent mobile phone theft, and starting this week, anyone caught re-programming a mobile phone to evade IMEI blocking will face five years in jail and an unlimited fine.

An independent study of the network by System Concepts demonstrated that all five major mobile networks - 3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone - exceeded the target of blocking 80% of stolen mobile phones within 48 hours.

This makes the phones much less attractive to criminals. Because mobile phone thefts disproportionately affect children and young people, the government says that it has made addressing this issue a priority.

The Home Secretary, John Reid, said that mobile phone robberies are "distressing experiences", especially for young people.

"We are determined to stamp this out," he said.

The success of the agreement between government and mobile phone companies "shows what can be done when the government, police and industry work in partnership," he added.

Tim Godwin, of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said the success of the programme "demonstrates the industry's commitment to blocking stolen phones across all networks. I believe this ongoing support is playing a major part in our joint efforts to drive down mobile phone crime."

Posted to the site on 6th April 2007