Theft: Mobile Phones

Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps his Department is taking to reduce levels of mobile phone theft;

(2) what discussions he has had with mobile phone operators on reducing mobile phone theft.

Mr. Coaker
[holding answer 10 May 2007]: Mobile phone theft is a key driver for robbery. The Government, police and industry have developed a strong partnership which has been working together to tackle escalating mobile phone theft. The Mobile Phone Crime Reduction Charter was launched by industry leaders in July 2006 and successfully achieved its target of blocking stolen handsets within 48 hours, meaning they will no longer work in the UK. The Government and Metropolitan police fund a National Mobile Phone Crime Unit to provide a national centre of excellence and operational support around the country. We have robust legislation in place to target criminals who re-programme stolen handsets.