Study shows mobile bar cuts crime

Last year in a bid to curb the rise in mobile phone thefts, the network operators agreed to quickly barr any phone that was reported stolen to prevent it from being used.

A study from the independent group Systems Concepts has shown that all of the five major network providers have exceeded the target 80 per cent of stolen phones barred within 48 hours.

The Government is also building on the success of this initiative by targeting those criminals that offer to reprogram a stolen mobile phone. It is now a criminal offence to offer this kind of service punishable by five years in prison and an unlimited fine.

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 (ACPO), 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.”