Reid unveils 'double whammy' on phone crime

Govt wants to crack down on stolen phones

Thursday, 05, Apr 2007 12:00

Mobile phone theft is set to get less attractive to criminals, the home secretary John Reid predicted today.

From April 6th, new punishments come into force, with tougher sentences for anyone caught re-programming stolen mobile phones. Following government changes, people will be liable for up to five years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

Combined with other measures unveiled to block stolen phones, Mr Reid said mobile phones would soon lose their attractiveness to thieves, helping to reduce street crime and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Reid said: "Being robbed for your mobile is a harrowing and distressing experience that has happened to far too many of us and our children. Labour are determined to stamp this out. That's why today we're dealing mobile thieves a double whammy."

Aside from tougher sentencing, the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum has also achieved its commitment to blocking stolen mobile phones within 48 hours, Mr Reid said.

Mr Reid continued: "I welcome the progress we have made so far, but we know there is more to do. That is why Labour are working to remove the incentive to criminals by blocking stolen phones; why Labour have introduced the tough new sentences which come into effect tomorrow; and why we will now work with the industry and police to anticipate the crime for the future, so we can design out problems in the next generation of phones before they develop."

The measures form part of Labour's commitment to fighting crime and anti-social behaviour, the home secretary added.

Meanwhile, research by insurance firm CPP has revealed Glasgow is the UK capital for mobile phone theft, followed by Belfast and Liverpool. One in three Glaswegians have had their mobile phone stolen.