STATISTICS showing an alarming rise in the number of mobile phone thefts may not be all they seem, according to the Hertfordshire Constabulary cracking down on the false reports.
All next month anyone that reports having a mobile phone stolen will be asked to sign a document to say that they are reporting a genuine crime of theft. They will also be sent crime prevention advice to reduce the chances of losing their next phone.
The campaign is aimed at reversing the trend in mobile thefts, but also stopping false reporting of incidents, revealed by research to be15 per cent of all reports of theft of mobile phones.
One theory for the false claims increase is that insurance companies cover people for the theft of phones but not accidental loss.
Hertfordshire's month-long campaign aims to ensure that only genuine thefts
are recorded as crimes.
Detective chief inspector Keith Tilley, who is leading the campaign, said: "We want to encourage all mobile phone users to be street-wise."
January 31, 2003 13:00
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