Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Monday, 11 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 June 2007. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Friday, 15 June 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Theft: Mobile Phones

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to reduce the theft of mobile telephones; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mobile phone theft is a key driver for robbery. The Government, police and industry have developed a strong partnership working together to tackle mobile phone theft. The Mobile Phone Crime Reduction Charter was launched by industry leaders in July 2006 and successfully achieved its target of blocking over 80 per cent. of stolen handsets within 48 hours. 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. The Government are continuing to engage industry on the issue of better crime proofing handsets as they become increasingly multi-functional in the future.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 142812; 461 c1398W
Session: 2006-07
Notes: Columns in printed daily part are numbered two columns ahead of columns on Hansard Online. Column numbers on PIMS refer to Hansard Online
Subjects: Mobile phones Theft
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk