Mobile phone thieves tackled by Straw

NEWS Between them they agreed upon an action plan, which Straw described as "an excellent beginning". The emphasis is very much upon crime prevention by raising public awareness. Representatives from the mobile phone industry agreed to review their insurance policies to stop their customers making bogus claims for stolen phones. They also said they would consider improving security on phones with technologies such as voice registration. Additionally, phone manufacturers are expected to co-operate on swapping information about how to stop thieves from reprogramming stolen phones. The Home Office will help consumers by offering advice in a newly prepared leaflet, while high-street retailer Dixons has promised to offer crime prevention advice in its phone starter packs. The police will also receive guidance on security tactics that will make tracing stolen phones easier. This is the second time the Home Office has met with the police and industry. The Home Office is currently carrying out research into how to tackle the issue in the long term.