Ministers have warned they may legislate to force mobile phone manufacturers and network operators to include anti‑theft protections if there is not a reduction in phone thefts, the policing minister said.
The minister said the government would expect the industry to act but signalled that ministers were prepared to use legislative powers as a backstop if voluntary measures failed to produce results. No specific technical measures or a timetable were outlined in the statement.
Supporters of intervention say that built‑in anti‑theft features could make stolen devices harder to reuse or resell and so reduce incentives for thieves. Ministers framing the proposal say it is intended to protect the public and reduce pressure on policing resources, while holding companies to account where voluntary action is insufficient.
Critics are likely to press for detail on what requirements would look like and how they would be enforced, including questions about cost, technical feasibility and any implications for privacy and consumer choice. Ministers said they would monitor theft figures and other indicators to decide whether further action, including legislation, would be necessary.
The announcement leaves open a range of regulatory options and sets a political timetable in which the industry has an opportunity to respond before statutory measures are introduced. Ministers said they would continue to engage with manufacturers, networks and law enforcement as they assess next steps.