NCJ Number
190690
Date Published
March 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This bulletin examined trends in mobile phone thefts in New South Wales (Australia) over a 3-year period (1998-2000) and suggested ways to counter these thefts.
Abstract
Findings showed that from 1998 through 2000, incidents of mobile phone theft doubled, increasing from 19,433 to 39,891 offenses per year. Furthermore, the largest increase in crime associated with stolen mobile phones has been in offenses that involve violence. Factors that have contributed to this increase include the spread of mobile phones; the fact that digital mobile phones that use Global System for Mobiles (GSM) technology can continue to be used even after they have been reported stolen; and the low risk of apprehension. Because it is possible to use Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards that are prepaid or held under a false subscription makes it difficult for police to conduct the interception of communications between suspects involved in organized crime. Contact by mobile phone is now the preferred means by which drug users contact their suppliers to purchase illegal drugs. The simplest solution to the problem of mobile phone theft is to reduce the opportunity to use mobile phones that have been reported lost or stolen. When the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of a stolen phone is known, carriers can scan their networks to identify any persons who may be using that phone unlawfully. Once the carrier has obtained information about the IMEI number of a stolen phone and the corresponding SIM card being used with that phone, unauthorized users can be electronically logged off the system. This can be achieved either by blocking the SIM card so that illegal calls cannot be made, or by blocking the IMEI code so that the handset cannot be used with another SIM card. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 8 notes