2003-01-10
A new UK mobile phone
database will prevent stolen mobile phones from being used on any UK mobile
network helping to make them worthless to thieves.
Reporting the number of your stolen phone to your network operator will now
enable it to be cancelled like a stolen credit card. This applies to both
pre pay and contract phones.
The new shared database set up by all UK mobile phone operators and the
Global System for Mobiles Association means stolen phones can now be barred
on all networks, by reference to the phone’s unique identifying code (IMEI
number).
The database is complemented by the Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act
which came into force on October 4th. The legislation enables the police to
tackle those fuelling the trade in stolen mobile phones with penalties of up
to five years in prison for those caught reprogramming the IMEI number on
mobile phones.
The measures have been introduced as part of an ongoing programme of work by
the Government, mobile phone industry and police to crack down on mobile
phone theft.
Rob Conway, CEO, GSM Association said:
“The Association’s unique database the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)
will play a pivotal role in support of this excellent initiative to combat
mobile theft and minimise crime."
“We have worked closely with our UK based operators to provide this
solution, which we believe sets a great example for network operators
internationally. We are uniquely positioned to extend the reach of the CEIR
globally, and continue to encourage operators in all markets to follow this
example.
“In particular we need and encourage manufacturers to work with us on
further developments.”
John Denham, Home Office Minister for Crime Reduction and Policing said:
"Home Office research shows that mobile phones are involved in 28% of
robbery. The package of measures we have developed together with the
industry and the police will help to build on the reductions we have already
seen as a result of the street crime initiative. Our new legislation enables
the police to take action against those fuelling the trade in mobile phones.
“Our strategy aims to ‘design out crime’ from mobiles to reduce their value
to criminals. This is an important step and we will continue to work with
the industry to keep pace with changing technology and one step ahead of the
thieves.”
Jack Wraith, Executive Secretary to the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum
said:
"The Mobile Crime Action Forum, who represent all UK mobile networks as well
as the major handset manufacturers welcome this joint initiative which is
aimed at preventing the use of stolen mobile phones on networks here in the
UK. With the dramatic increase in the number of mobile telephone users it is
important that the customer can have the assurance that if their phone is
stolen it will be worthless to the thief. The message to the thief is clear,
this industry will not condone criminal activity "
Tim Godwin, Acting Assistant Commissioner of the Met police said:
“This is a very positive initiative from the partnership of the Home Office,
mobile phone network operators and the police. The new legislation combined
with the ability to block mobile phones that are stolen has the potential to
significantly impact on crime. A third of all street crimes in London
involve the theft of a mobile telephone alone. By making this of no value to
a thief we believe will reduce the number of victims of this despicable
crime.”
Additional advice from the Home Office to coincide with the launch of the
database is to:
Register your phone with your network operator. This will make barring
easier.
Record your IMEI number and your phone number and keep these in a safe place
separate from your phone. Your IMEI number can be accessed by keying *#06#
into most phones or by looking behind the battery of your phone.
Report the number of your stolen phone to your network operator as quickly
as you can. It can now be disabled.
Remain alert. Your phone is a valuable item. When you are out be aware of
your surroundings and don’t use your phone in crowded areas or where you
might feel unsafe.
The Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act 2002 came into force on
October 4, and makes offences of:
Changing, without the authorisation of the manufacturer, the unique
identifying characteristic of a mobile phone – the IMEI number; and
Possessing, supplying or offering to supply the necessary equipment with the
intent to use it for re-programming mobile phones.
The offences carry maximum penalties of five years’ imprisonment or
unlimited fines or both.
The Industry’s shared database (Central Equipment Identity Register) will
make it possible to bar mobile phone handsets across all networks once a
phone has been reported stolen or lost to the individual’s mobile phone
network operator. The Central Equipment Identity Register is a shared
database of blacklisted International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)
handset numbers. All mobile phone network operators in the UK will disable
the phone by reference to the unique IMEI number of the handset. This means
that the handset itself (not just the SIM card which can easily be swapped)
will be barred and will be unusable on any network, even if a new SIM card
is inserted.
The Home Office is working with police and industry to raise awareness of
the new measures and encourage people to report their phone stolen. A mobile
poster van is touring robbery hotspots to alert potential victims and
thieves. Five million crime prevention leaflets will be distributed.
To report a phone stolen and have it barred customers should call their own
network operator. The relevant numbers are:
Orange
Contract 07973 100150
Pre-pay 07973 100451
Vodafone
Contract 07836 191191
Pre-pay 08700 776655
O2
Contract 08705 214000
Pre-pay 08705 678678
T-Mobile
0845 412 5000
Virgin Mobile
0845 6000 789
MICAF represents the mobile phone networks and major handset manufacturers
in the UK on matters of common concern in relation to handset security and
crime.
The GSM Association (GSMA) is the world's leading wireless industry
representative body. It consists of more than 680 second and third
generation wireless network operators working collaboratively to define,
prioritize and communicate requirements, as well as key manufacturers and
suppliers to the wireless industry. The Association's members provide
digital wireless services to more than 745 million customers (end September
2002).
The GSM family of wireless communications platforms account for
approximately 71 percent of the total digital wireless market today. The
GSMA is a unique organization, with truly global reach, offering a full
range of business and technical services to its members. The GSMA’s website
is www.gsmworld.com
The Home Office’s Mobile Phone Theft Steering Group was set up in January
2001 by the then Home Secretary. It oversees a programme of joint work by
Government, the mobile phone industry and the police, implementing practical
measures to tackle mobile phone theft.
The Government is pressing manufacturers to work in various international
industry fora to ensure that new handsets comply with the new international
GSM standards (introduced on 1 June 2002) which state that the IMEI number
should be resistant to change. This would stop the reprogramming problem at
source.
In addition, the Government is encouraging manufacturers to enhance the
security of 3G devices by considering and evaluating new security options.
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