The Tirupati district police have achieved a major breakthrough in curbing mobile thefts by recovering 500 stolen or lost mobile phones, valued at approximately ₹1 crore, during the 14th phase of the 'Mobile Recovery Mela.'
Recovery Details
Presenting the recovered devices to their rightful owners at a press conference, Tirupati Superintendent of Police (SP) L Subbarayudu highlighted the vital role played by the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal in accelerating these operations. With this latest phase, the district police have successfully tracked and restored a total of 5,285 mobile phones worth over ₹11.52 crores across 14 consecutive phases.
Interstate Operations
Demonstrating an impressive interstate operational reach, the Tirupati cybercrime unit, led by Inspector R Vinod Kumar, successfully tracked down these devices across neighbouring states, including Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra. This collaborative effort underscores the effectiveness of the CEIR portal in tracing stolen phones beyond state borders.
Citizen Convenience
Tirupati SP emphasised that citizens no longer need to visit police stations to report a missing phone, as they can register complaints from home via the CEIR portal. This initiative simplifies the process and encourages prompt reporting, which is crucial for successful recovery.
Safety Advisory
The district police chief strongly advised the public to take immediate steps upon losing a phone: block their SIM cards, secure UPI applications with strong passwords, and strictly avoid purchasing second-hand mobile phones from strangers without proper documentation to prevent future legal complications. These measures help protect personal data and prevent misuse of the device.
The Mobile Recovery Mela has been a recurring event, and the police continue to urge citizens to utilize the CEIR portal for faster resolution of mobile theft cases.
