Visakhapatnam’s Central Crime Station (CCS) has accomplished a commendable feat by successfully tracing and returning more than 300 lost mobile phones valued at over ₹60 lakh to their rightful owners within a span of five months. This remarkable achievement is credited to the implementation of the “Mobile Recovery” program, which employs advanced technology to simplify the process of reporting and recovering lost devices.
Gone are the days when individuals had to rush to a police station to report a lost or stolen mobile phone within the city limits of Visakhapatnam. The CCS has introduced an innovative solution that allows complainants to file their reports with a mere click. Through a dedicated WhatsApp number, victims can initiate the complaint process by simply sending a “Hi” message. This WhatsApp number is connected to a chat-bot, which promptly responds with an auto-reply containing a separate link.
Once the complainant clicks on the provided link, they are directed to a form that requires essential information regarding the lost device. Additionally, the WhatsApp number includes a QR code, which, when scanned, opens a form for the complainant to fill in mandatory fields.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (CCS) Sravan Kumar emphasized the importance of providing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number during the procedure. This unique identifier is crucial for accurately tracing the lost device, as perpetrators may change the SIM card after theft or resale. By analyzing the available technical data and utilizing cutting-edge technology, the CCS can effectively track down the lost mobile phones.
Investigations have revealed that many of the reported cases involved thefts committed by miscreants who subsequently sold the stolen devices through various channels. Some unscrupulous shopkeepers were even found selling the stolen mobile phones as second-hand devices. To tackle this issue, the police teams proactively approached these shopkeepers and individuals who purchased the devices, informing them of the situation and successfully retrieving the stolen mobile phones.
Notably, the reach of the “Mobile Recovery” program extended beyond the borders of Andhra Pradesh, with mobile phones being recovered not only within the state but also in neighboring regions such as Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This wider impact highlights the effectiveness and success of the program in tackling the issue of lost or stolen mobile phones.
The CCS’s “Mobile Recovery” program has not only simplified the process of reporting lost devices but has also demonstrated an impressive track record of retrieving valuable mobile phones for their rightful owners. This proactive approach, combined with the integration of technology, has undoubtedly made a significant difference in curbing mobile phone theft and reuniting individuals with their prized possessions.