POLICE are calling on people to report stolen mobile phones to their telecommunications provider and ensure the phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is blocked.
Almost 13,700 mobile phones were stolen in Victoria last year.
Crime squad detective inspector Wayne Newman said phone thefts could be eventually reduced if more people activated the IMEI blocking function and offenders realised the phone could not be used.
“We also encourage buyers of second-hand phones to request proof of ownership and perform an IMEI check on the handset before making a purchase,” he said.
IMEI blocking is a free service which can be requested by the owner of the phone to the telecommunications service provider it is contracted to.
There are numerous ways to find the IMEI however it can be found by entering *#06# into your phone.
To check the status of a second hand phone go to Association website at http://www.amta.org.au/
First published in the Mornington News – 4 October 2016
