Meghalaya: Police issues alert over increased cases of mobile theft
Shillong, July 28, 2017: The Shillong police have issued warning in public interest for the people to safeguard themselves against theft and pick pocketing especially their mobile phones in busy areas like markets around Shillong City. In an official statement issued by SP City, East Khasi Hills, Vivek Syiem said that the number of reported cases of theft and pick pocketing has been on the rise , especially that of mobile phones.
He further said that these criminals often target Cell phones since they can be easily sold in the Black Market. As such, public are advised to be cautious and safe guard their mobile phones at all times particularly in public places.
The public is strongly advised to should also refrain from buying second hand mobile phones from strangers or mobiles without any papers/ phone box and charger as they are likely to be stolen items.
People coming from rural areas for marketing have been more vulnerable to such mobile phone snatching.
As per police reports, the number of cases registered for reported mobile thefts have been on the rise as compared to previous years. In 2015, 127 cases were registered while 2016 saw a gradual rise with a total number of 158 registered cases. 2017 shows an alarming trend because as of 31st June, 60 mobile theft cases have been reported in the district.
The police have been doing their bit on cracking these theft cases as 77mobiles were recovered in 2016.
In this connection, the public may be informed that a receiver of stolen property is liable U/S 411 IPC, in which the punishment is imprisonment for 3 years. Upon investigations, Syiem said that it has also been learnt that stolen mobiles are sent to mobile repair shops to break/reset the password.
The proprietors of such shops have been directed to only break / reset the password of phones after they are satisfied that the customer making the request has produced documents/ box of the phone to ensure that it is not a stolen phone.
TNT NEWS
Image Source: representational from CNN
