UK Operators to Disable Stolen Smartphones

VMO2 and VodafoneThree announced they would use the technology designed to disable smartphones stolen from their retail stores. The operators have thus stepped up their efforts to tackle organized device theft.

Once a handset reported stolen from a store is switched on, it is added to a manufacturer-operated database, which automatically disables it. However, the technology applies only to unsold devices as operators cannot disable phones after ownership has transferred to the customer. The move aims to reduce the resale value of stolen handsets following a string of organized retail thefts on operator stores and growing pressure on the industry to reduce the incentive for phone theft.

VMO2 director of security Stuart Seymour said that the operator is working with industry on innovative solutions and with law enforcement to gather intelligence and secure convictions. He added that the measures were helping bring criminals to justice and making the high street safer for everyone. Earlier this month, Apple and the UK Metropolitan Police agreed a partnership to share stolen device identifiers, creating a joint intelligence network to track handsets and identify whether they re-enter circulation. Apple has since agreed to automatically enable its Stolen Device Protection feature on iPhones sold in the UK, though it has stopped short of introducing a kill switch feature.