In June, Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit obtained charge approval against an individual who committed a number of these crimes in the Surrey area. Manjinder Nagra is currently awaiting a court date on 14 charges.
SURREY – With the new edition of a popular smart iphone now available in stores and a new school year underway, Surrey RCMP is reminding the community, specifically young people, about being extra vigilant with their personal property.
Over the past year, Surrey RCMP, along with police agencies across Metro Vancouver, have noticed an increase in street robberies and thefts involving mobile phones, particularly smart phones.
Due to their high demand and portability, these items are extremely attractive for thieves. The high cost of these items is also driving people to purchase them online at discounted prices through various websites such as Craigslist or Kijiji. This is resulting in additional robberies of potential buyers and sellers at agreed upon meeting places.
In June, Surrey RCMP Robbery Unit obtained charge approval against an individual who committed a number of these crimes in the Surrey area. Manjinder Nagra, 22, is currently awaiting a court date on 14 charges.
The amount of personal information stored on these devices is also a concern for police.
“A person’s privacy can easily be comprised given the amount of data stored on these devices,” says Surrey RCMP Sgt. Grainger. “Not to mention the sensitive financial information that can be accessed.”
Police continue to urge citizens to play a crucial role in reducing their potential of being a victim. Simple steps like remaining vigilant and trusting your instincts will help reduce the risk of being an easy target.
Additional tips for preventing mobile phone theft include:
• Avoid using your phone on the street in full view. If you do have to use it, be discreet
• Be attentive to your surroundings and weary of anyone following you.
• In the event your phone is stolen, report your theft to the police and contact your network provider as soon as possible so they can disconnect it and prevent any unauthorized calls or texts
• Take note of the serial number of your phone and keep it in a safe place
• Consider software that will remotely locate your phone using built-in GPS
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