1. ^aMidlands Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, U.K. E-mail: G.Farrell@lboro.ac.uk
2. ^bThe National Mobile Phone Crime Unit, c/o Territorial Policing HQ, Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London, SW1A 25L, UK

Abstract

This study presents what we believe to be the first Phone Theft Index, ranking the most stolen makes and models of mobile cell phones. It is based on over 200,000 recorded crimes involving such theft during 2004 and 2005. The theft "careers" of key phone models are examined. The market for mobile cell phones changes rapidly, as shown in theft career trajectories. The next steps in the development of the index would be for it to be risk-based, and routinely publicized on a timely and frequent basis. Complementary publications of information on "safe" handsets and practices would also stimulate the market in consumer safety.