Phone Companies Urged to Combat Rising Thefts.

Phone Companies Urged to Combat Rising Thefts.

Phone companies are set to be called into the Home Office to discuss strategies for addressing a significant rise in snatch thefts, which have more than doubled in England and Wales over the past year. Government statistics reveal that, in the year leading up to March, there were approximately 78,000 thefts from individuals—defined as items like phones, bags, and wallets being taken without the use or threat of force. This marks a sharp increase from the previous year’s figure of 31,000.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the government’s desire for manufacturers to implement features that would allow stolen phones to be permanently disabled, thereby preventing them from being sold on the second-hand market. Additionally, police chiefs will be responsible for gathering more intelligence about the individuals involved in these thefts and tracking where stolen devices ultimately end up.

The government has indicated that the growing demand for second-hand phones, both domestically and internationally, is a significant factor contributing to the recent surge in thefts. To combat this issue, the Home Office plans to host a summit where tech companies and phone manufacturers will be invited to explore innovations aimed at preventing the illegal trade of phones.

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Dame Diana expressed hope that the government can build upon existing anti-theft features already integrated into smartphones. She stated that the goal is to “break the business model” of those orchestrating the thefts. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the alarming statistic that a phone is reported stolen in London every six minutes.

Currently, the prosecution rate for thefts from individuals remains very low. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, of the estimated 78,000 thefts that occurred, only 0.8% resulted in charges being filed against a suspect. Furthermore, nearly 82% of investigations were closed without the police identifying any suspects.

The government’s efforts to tackle these thefts will also involve ongoing patrol surges in areas particularly affected by this type of crime. Increased visibility and proactive policing are seen as essential components in the fight against the rising tide of snatch thefts.

As discussions with phone companies approach, there is a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and the tech industry to effectively address this pressing issue. The hope is that with combined efforts, the cycle of theft can be disrupted, and a safer environment can be established for the public.

What to do if your phone is lost or stolen

If your phone is stolen, the first step is to contact the police and provide them with your IMEI number, a unique 15-digit code that identifies your device. This number is often required for filing an insurance claim. You can typically find the IMEI printed on the label of your device’s box, and most mobile providers can assist you in retrieving this information if you reach out to them.

To obtain your IMEI number proactively, you can dial *#06# on your phone, which will display the code on your screen. Additionally, many modern operating systems include the IMEI in the settings menu, making it easy to access before any incidents occur. It’s crucial to have this information handy, as it can be vital in recovering your device.

You should also inform your network provider to cancel your SIM card, which helps prevent thieves from using your phone. Moreover, it’s wise to notify your bank so they can secure your mobile banking app against unauthorized access. Thieves sometimes observe individuals logging into their online banking to capture passwords before stealing their devices.

While taking these precautions can help safeguard your data, it’s important to remember that most thieves are primarily interested in reselling stolen devices for profit rather than accessing personal information. Thus, while protecting your data is essential, understanding the thief’s motives can help you prioritize your actions.

Deactivating devices

Both iPhones and Android devices come equipped with security features designed to protect against theft. For iPhone users, the “Find My iPhone” feature allows them to locate their device, provided it was enabled before the device was lost or stolen. Users can log into iCloud on a computer to track their phone, and if it has been stolen, they can secure it and erase all personal data remotely.

Similarly, Android devices offer the “Find My Device” feature, which functions in much the same way. This tool allows users to lock their phones and erase data from a distance. Samsung users can also utilize “SmartThings Find,” which provides additional tracking capabilities. Both platforms ensure that devices in lost mode are difficult for thieves to unlock and use, although criminals are always seeking new methods to circumvent these protections.

In an effort to enhance security, Android 10 will soon introduce a feature known as “Theft Detection Lock.” This innovative tool employs Google’s AI technology to identify if a phone has been stolen, locking the device down if it detects suspicious movement, such as being snatched from someone’s hand. While the device can still be unlocked with the correct PIN or password, accidental triggers can be bypassed using fingerprint or facial recognition.

Google is also working on upgrades to the factory reset process, ensuring that a device can only be set up again using its original password. This change aims to make it more difficult for thieves to reset stolen phones and sell them. Such measures are part of a broader initiative to prevent the resale of stolen devices, which often end up on the second-hand market.

Governments are pushing phone manufacturers to implement stricter measures to ensure that stolen devices cannot be resold. In the UK, network operators blacklist the IMEI numbers of reported stolen devices, which generally prevents them from being sold again. However, thieves often find ways around these restrictions by shipping stolen devices overseas where the IMEI is not blocked.

To effectively combat this issue, a truly permanent locking mechanism would be necessary. Such a system would render a device completely unusable after it has been reported stolen, potentially preventing it from being powered on at all. This would require collaboration between phone companies and network operators to create a robust solution that deters theft and protects consumers.