Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree have implemented a 'kill switch' to disable stolen, unsold smartphones from their stores. This aims to combat rising retail theft and the black market for stolen devices, following resistance from major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung to a universal solution.
Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree have introduced a 'kill switch' technology to disable stolen smartphones from their retail stores, aiming to combat rising mobile retail crime and the black market for stolen devices.
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has urged the UK Home Secretary to legislate, forcing phone companies to make stolen devices unusable. London sees 200-300 phone thefts daily, with criminals selling devices globally. Apple's new safeguards are reducing reactivation rates, but wider action is sought.
The Metropolitan Police is urging tech firms, including Apple, to implement measures that make stolen phones harder to reuse and less profitable for criminals. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley is seeking legislation to enforce data sharing on stolen devices and render them unusable, aiming to reduce theft rates.
