New initiative makes mobile phone theft pointless

A new initiative to combat mobile phone theft will allow users to register their phones on a central database enabling the number to be barred if stolen.

The move which is being backed by the gardaí and the Irish Cellular Industry Association aims to render the theft of a mobile phone pointless.

The problem of mobile phone theft has grown rapidly in recent years with some firms estimating up to 2,000 are stolen here each week.

The number of handsets reported stolen to gardaí has increased from 7,493 in 2000 to 13,433 so far this year.

Each mobile phone handset has its own 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, usually found under the battery.

Under the initiative these numbers will be held at the central database - Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) - and when a phone is stolen or lost its IMEI number can be deactivated across all three major networks.

The block on the number can be lifted if the missing handset is subsequently found.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, said the initiative had the potential "to radically reduce the number of mobile phone thefts".

However Minister McDowell said he was conscious of the need for new legislation banning the possession of equipment capable of changing a phone's IMEI number.

In the UK it is illegal to change the IMEI number of a handset, and to have custody or control of equipment which can alter the number.

Mr McDowell said he was currently in discussion with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dermot Ahern, on "how best to progress the issue".

Pocket size cards with details of today's initiative, in particular how to register a mobile and who to ring if it is stolen, will be available in retail outlets and garda stations.