Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2013
423. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering making it compulsory for mobile telephone retailers or operators to retain the IMEI serial number of the telephone being purchased, to help tackle the increasing theft of mobile telephones and the steps he will take to tackle this growing crime. [19818/13]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that, in accordance with the provisions of the Telecommunications (Retention of Data) Act, 2011, telecommunications service providers currently retain the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in respect of mobile phone devices operating on their networks. In the event of a provider receiving a report of a mobile phone being stolen, the IMEI number is used to prevent that mobile device from being used.
I can also advise the Deputy that a proactive approach is being applied by An Garda Síochána in relation to theft from persons, and in particular the theft of mobile phones. A crime prevention information leaflet, Mobile Phone Theft Prevention Advice, is available on the Garda Website and a public awareness campaign, including a dedicated item on the Crimeline programme, was undertaken by An Garda Síochána in March 2013 to inform and advise the public on how to protect their mobile phones.
In addition, the Dublin City Joint Policing Committee in association with An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council have prepared an information booklet outlining the risks associated with the use of smart phones in public places. It also provides information on ways in which people can safeguard their phones, including obtaining their IMEI numbers and through increased SIM locking and PIN activation to ensure that if their phone is stolen the service provider can immediately block the phone, rendering it immediately inoperative. These leaflets are currently being distributed throughout Dublin City with a view to increasing the public’s awareness to smart phone theft.
At an enforcement level, An Garda Síochána also continues to address the challenges associated with thefts from the person, including theft of mobile phones. In this regard Operation Aughrim was introduced in June 2012, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with particular emphasis being placed in the Pearse Street and Store Street Districts. This operation is intelligence led with uniformed Gardaí engaged in a high visibility patrols as well as plain clothes members conducting surveillance in identified hotspots. Contact with mobile phone shops which specialise in the sale, supply and repair of second hand smart phones also forms part of this operation.
