Wee Gordon
28-07-2006, 03:29 PM
Stolen mobiles 'will be blocked'
Around 80% of mobile phones will be blocked on all five UK networks within 48 hours of being reported stolen in future, industry leaders have pledged.
The pledge is part of a charter aimed at reducing mobile phone crime launched by the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum (MICAF) and phone networks.
It takes effect by this year's end but will not extend to foreign networks.
Home Secretary John Reid welcomed the move and pledged £1.35m in funding for a specialist national phone crime unit.
Jack Wraith, who chairs the MICAF, said networks had been made "accountable".
He acknowledged blocking was already commonplace when a phone was stolen but told BBC News: "Currently there is no accountability on networks where blocking phones is concerned.
"They are now answerable and they will get named and shamed by us if they fail to stick to the charter.
"I have every faith that they will do their best to meet the criteria laid down in the charter."
Less attractive
He said the majority of modern mobile phones could not be re-activated and were therefore useless once blocked.
Mr Wraith stressed the move was intended to dissuade those who would consider buying a stolen phone.
Meanwhile, the home secretary said: "I welcome this commitment by the mobile phone industry leaders to make mobile phones less attractive to thieves and demonstrate their clear commitment to their customers' safety."
Mr Reid went on: "I believe the public should be free to carry valuable items, such as mobile phones and MP3 players, on the streets without fear of becoming a target for robbers.
"Today there are 21,000 fewer robberies on the streets than five years ago. We are determined to drive robbery levels down even further."
But a rise in young people carrying mobile phones and MP3 players was blamed for street robberies and muggings jumping by 8% last year, according to police figures.
The five UK networks involved in the charter are Vodafone, O2, T Mobile, Orange, and 3.
Story from BBC NEWS
Around 80% of mobile phones will be blocked on all five UK networks within 48 hours of being reported stolen in future, industry leaders have pledged.
The pledge is part of a charter aimed at reducing mobile phone crime launched by the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum (MICAF) and phone networks.
It takes effect by this year's end but will not extend to foreign networks.
Home Secretary John Reid welcomed the move and pledged £1.35m in funding for a specialist national phone crime unit.
Jack Wraith, who chairs the MICAF, said networks had been made "accountable".
He acknowledged blocking was already commonplace when a phone was stolen but told BBC News: "Currently there is no accountability on networks where blocking phones is concerned.
"They are now answerable and they will get named and shamed by us if they fail to stick to the charter.
"I have every faith that they will do their best to meet the criteria laid down in the charter."
Less attractive
He said the majority of modern mobile phones could not be re-activated and were therefore useless once blocked.
Mr Wraith stressed the move was intended to dissuade those who would consider buying a stolen phone.
Meanwhile, the home secretary said: "I welcome this commitment by the mobile phone industry leaders to make mobile phones less attractive to thieves and demonstrate their clear commitment to their customers' safety."
Mr Reid went on: "I believe the public should be free to carry valuable items, such as mobile phones and MP3 players, on the streets without fear of becoming a target for robbers.
"Today there are 21,000 fewer robberies on the streets than five years ago. We are determined to drive robbery levels down even further."
But a rise in young people carrying mobile phones and MP3 players was blamed for street robberies and muggings jumping by 8% last year, according to police figures.
The five UK networks involved in the charter are Vodafone, O2, T Mobile, Orange, and 3.
Story from BBC NEWS