Blocks on lost and stolen mobile phones from the mobile telecommunications industry’s handset blocking program fell nearly 26% in 2007. The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) figures show the average daily blocking rate of lost or stolen mobile phones was 258 handsets in 2007 compared to 487 in 2004.

Since the introduction of the Lost and Stolen program in late 2003 using International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number blocking across all networks there have been 860,000 mobile phones blocked and 252,000 unblocked, giving a 29% recovery rate.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said: “The results show that the IMEI blocking program is acting as a deterrent to thieves, who are getting the message that stealing mobile phones is a bad idea because they will be blocked, making them inoperable across all networks in Australia,” he said.

“We believe this combined with people becoming more aware of the importance of protecting their mobiles from theft or loss has contributed to downward trend in IMEI blocking.

“People have a lot of valuable personal and business information stored in their handsets and are taking more care to safeguard their phones from loss and not leaving them in places such as cars, which are a target of thieves.”

The industry’s anti-theft technology works by detecting a mobile phone’s electronic serial number, known as the IMEI number, then sharing this information with carriers to block handsets across all networks in Australia.

IMEI numbers are independent of the phone number and are usually written underneath the battery or on the back of the handset. Mobile phone users can also check their 15 digit IMEI number by dialing *#06# on their mobile handset. Mobile phone owners should make a note of their IMEI number and keep the details in a safe place.

For tips on how to keep your mobile phone safe and what to do if it is lost or stolen see Consumer Tips at www.amta.org.au

Mr Alhaus said AMTA continued to work in partnership with law enforcement agencies on the safe and responsible use of mobile phones in the community and to provide protection for people who lose or have their mobile phones stolen.