Ranipet Police Recover 80 Missing Mobile Phones Worth ₹11.45 Lakhs

80 Missing Mobile Phones Traced and Returned in Ranipet

In a significant move to address mobile theft and loss, the Ranipet district police have successfully retrieved and returned 80 missing mobile phones worth ₹11.45 lakhs to their rightful owners. This initiative, carried out on Saturday, marks a milestone for the newly formed Cyber Crime police unit at the Superintendent of Police (SP) office in the district.

Cyber Crime Unit Tracks Phones via IMEI Numbers

The recovered phones were traced using their unique IMEI numbers, a method employed by the cybercrime team to monitor lost handsets at regular intervals. According to police officials, whenever these phones are activated—either by individuals who find them or by unsuspecting buyers of second-hand devices—the cybercrime unit promptly identifies the devices as stolen property. The team then alerts the users, who either return the phones to the police or send them via courier, even from other districts or states.

New Measures Streamline Recovery

The formation of the Cyber Crime police unit and the introduction of a dedicated cell tracker application have streamlined the process of recovering lost phones. Previously, local police stations were tasked with tracing and returning missing phones every six months, as per district norms. The new system centralizes these efforts, allowing for faster and more efficient investigations into complaints of snatched or missing phones.

Why It Matters

The success of this initiative highlights the potential of technology-driven policing in combating mobile theft and loss. With smartphones being an integral part of daily life, their recovery not only alleviates financial strain but also restores access to critical personal and professional data. The Ranipet police’s efforts set a precedent for other districts to adopt similar measures, ensuring better service to citizens and deterring mobile theft.

Published: August 16, 2026, 12:19 am IST

Source: The Hindu