Anantapur police set record with recovery of stolen phones worth Rs 20 crore

In a remarkable achievement, Anantapur district police in Andhra Pradesh have recovered over 10,000 stolen or missing mobile phones, setting a record in India. With a total of 10,195 phones recovered, the estimated value stands at approximately Rs 20 crore.
District SP Jagadish announced that out of these, 1,309 phones worth Rs 3.45 crore have already been returned to their rightful owners. The recovery process has been streamlined through an innovative chatbot service that allows victims to report stolen phones without the need to file a formal FIR.
SP Jagadish highlighted that among the recovered phones, 1,156 came from 20 different states across the country, while 2,535 were returned to residents from 19 districts within Andhra Pradesh. This significant effort underscores the police’s commitment to combating mobile theft and enhancing community safety.
During a recent event where phones were returned to victims at the local police ground, SP Jagadish advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing mobile devices, urging them to avoid buying from unknown individuals without proper documentation. He emphasised the importance of vigilance against cyber crimes and encouraged residents to utilise the chatbot service if their phones are lost or stolen.
This initiative not only showcases the effectiveness of the Anantapur Police in addressing mobile theft but also demonstrates their proactive approach to engaging with the community. The innovative use of technology in crime prevention and recovery serves as a model for other districts in India, promoting accountability and public trust in law enforcement.