Lahore police have decided to intensify action against organised groups involved in mobile phone theft, pickpocketing and the illegal alteration of IMEI numbers.
The decision was taken at a meeting reviewing measures to control theft and strengthen surveillance at crime hotspots across the city.
An IMEI is a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to most mobile phones and cellular devices. Police will focus on identifying networks involved in altering IMEI numbers of stolen phones and bringing those responsible to justice.
The meeting also approved geofencing of theft hotspots and increased surveillance in areas where mobile phone theft and pickpocketing are frequently reported. Authorities will make greater use of human intelligence and modern technology to prevent and investigate such crimes.
Additional police personnel will be deployed at identified crime hotspots, while patrolling will be intensified. Plainclothes officers will also conduct decoy operations to identify and apprehend suspects.
Police have been directed to increase monitoring of pickpockets at crowded locations, markets, public gatherings and public transport facilities to improve the safety of citizens.
A comprehensive crackdown will also target individuals and networks involved in changing the IMEI numbers of stolen mobile phones.
Authorities will trace the supply chain of recovered mobile phones through backtracking and verify identification documents and relevant records involved in mobile phone transactions.
Strict action will also be taken against individuals involved in the illegal purchase and sale of stolen mobile phones and their spare parts.
