North Yorks ringing changes to reduce mobile phone crime

North Yorkshire Police have introduced new procedures aimed at tackling mobile phone crime.
The police area saw 3,642 mobile phones reported as stolen last year – making up 5.6% of all crime.

But force research suggests almost 60% of the reported crimes may be fraudulent insurance claims and the new initiative aims to reduce these numbers.

NYP has launched a new scripted questionnaire for all police call-takers.
From the end of last month, all callers reporting a stolen mobile phone are taken through the questionnaire – which covers a range of details.

The questionnaire also allows the call handler to give out details to the caller about using the International Mobile Equipment Identity Number (IMEI) to render the mobile useless – improving the chance of the phone being returned and the thief caught, if it is a genuine theft.

The questionnaire also culls key information for the police in making follow-up enquries to check the phone was really stolen – rather than lost or broken by the user.

Assistant Chief Constable David Collins said that NYP research into mobile phone crime had produced much fascinating and useful data, “but the most pleasing thing is that popular image of widespread muggings for mobile phones may be a reality in some large conurbations, but is not the case in North Yorkshire.

Mr Collins added: “Blocked phones are no use to anyone. The more victims who take the trouble to do this, the less incentive there is for criminals to steal phones – simple as that. Plus, there is the satisfaction of knowing you have put one over on a thief!”

NYP are also encouraging mobile phone owners to register with www.immobilise.com, a national database that enables officers anywhere in the country to check the ownership of a registered phone.