Cumbria Police Get IMEI Scanners to Identify Stolen Mobile Phones

Police in the UK are to test an IMEI reader that can be used to scan mobile phones and verify if the handset is registered with the national stolen handset database. Cumbria Constabulary is set to take part in the two week pilot at the end of this month.

The handheld 'Apollo' device, provided by Radio Tactics was introduced around 18 months ago and Cumbria is joining other police forces across the UK that are piloting the devices in a bid to identify and deter criminals and communicate vital crime prevention advice around registering and securing your mobile phones. The device is also able to identity stolen iPods and MP3 players that have been correctly registered by their owners.

Cumbria's new Deputy Chief Constable in his role as President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB) presented an award to Radio Tactics this week to thank the company for its support in the fight against cyber crime.

DCC Stuart Hyde said: "As technology gets more sophisticated and expensive, so it becomes more attractive to criminals.

"I am committed to finding more efficient ways for officers to carry out their work within our communities and trialling this new technology will allow them to have instant access to accurate information to make informed, speedy arrests and recover more stolen phones."

Posted to the site on 24th June 2009