Hyderabad Police Recover 1,190 Lost and Stolen Mobile Phones Worth Rs 3.55 Crore
In a major achievement, the Cyberabad police have recovered 1,190 stolen and lost mobile phones in just 50 days. The total value of the recovered phones is estimated at Rs 3.55 crore. Using the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, the police tracked and returned the phones to their rightful owners during an event at the Cyberabad Commissionerate.
The Cyberabad DCP of Crimes, K. Narasimha, shared details of the operation. He explained that the five zones of the Cyberabad Central Crime Station (CCS) recovered 1,010 phones, while the five Law and Order (L&O) zones recovered 180 phones. The Madhapur CCS led the effort with 255 phones recovered, followed by Balanagar CCS with 250, Medchal CCS with 208, Rajendranagar CCS with 157, and Shamshabad CCS with 140. Among the L&O zones, Balanagar recovered 113 phones, Medchal recovered 41, Madhapur recovered 16, and Shamshabad recovered 10.
The DCP warned the public against buying or selling stolen items, emphasizing that it is a punishable offense. He urged people to protect their belongings and remain alert as cybercrimes are on the rise. Fraudsters are employing tactics such as inappropriate video calls to blackmail individuals, as well as conducting UPI frauds. He advised citizens to handle their mobile phones carefully and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
“Mobile phones are an integral part of our lives, holding sensitive information and valuable memories,” Narasimha said. “While thieves are relentless, it is our responsibility to stay vigilant. Many people, despite being well-educated, are unaware of how to protect themselves from the misuse of stolen phones.”
The DCP encouraged citizens to report lost or stolen phones immediately, either at their nearest police station or through the CEIR portal, which operates across all States and Union Territories. This portal helps prevent the misuse of stolen phones and accelerates recovery.
For cybercrime-related issues, he advised the public to call the helpline 1930 or visit the website cybercrime.gov.in to file complaints without delay. Additionally, he urged caution regarding a new scam called “digital arrests,” where fraudsters create panic to extort money. He stressed the importance of verifying any claims or demands made online before taking action.
“Most cybercriminals operate from different countries,” Narasimha explained. “It is essential to stay informed, report incidents promptly, and work together to combat the growing threat of cybercrime.”
