Udupi: In a significant relief to victims of mobile phone theft, the Udupi City Police on Tuesday traced and recovered 60 stolen mobile phones of various brands, collectively valued at ₹8.85 lakh, and handed them over to their rightful owners. The recovery was made in connection with theft cases reported within the limits of the Udupi City Police Station.
Addressing the gathering during the handover programme, Udupi Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prabhu D.T. said that the recoveries were made using a combination of citizen complaints, digital tracking tools and sustained follow-up by police personnel.
Complaints filed through KSP app
Prabhu D.T. said that several complaints regarding stolen mobile phones had been received at the Udupi City Police Station through the Karnataka State Police (KSP) mobile application. Upon receipt of the complaints, police initiated the standard procedure of blocking the stolen devices using the Government of India’s Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal.
“The CEIR portal has proved to be an effective tool in tracing stolen or lost mobile phones. Once a complaint is received and the phone is blocked, it becomes difficult for the device to be misused, which eventually helps in tracking it,” the SDPO explained.
Phones traced over three months
Police officials said the mobile phone tracing operation was carried out over a period of the last three months. During this time, 60 mobile phones were successfully traced through the CEIR portal, following which the respective owners were contacted and asked to visit the police station.
On Tuesday, the recovered mobile phones were formally handed over to the complainants at the Udupi City Police Station in the presence of senior officers. The total value of the recovered phones was estimated at ₹8.85 lakh, officials said.
Role of Udupi City Police Station staff
The handover programme was attended by Udupi City Police Station in-charge Police Sub-Inspector Mahesh Prasad, along with Police Sub-Inspectors Bharatesh Kankanawadi, Eeranna Shiragumpi, Narayana B. and Gopalakrishna Jogi. The officers personally handed over the recovered mobile phones to the owners, who expressed relief and gratitude to the police.
SDPO Prabhu D.T. appreciated the coordinated efforts of the station staff and said such operations demonstrate the importance of teamwork and effective use of technology in modern policing.
Dedicated team behind the recovery
The mobile phone tracing operation was carried out by Udupi City Police Station officials Mahesh Prasad, Bharatesh Kankanawadi, Eeranna Shiragumpi, Narayana B. and Gopalakrishna Jogi, with crucial technical support from the computer section staff. Computer Police Constables (CPC) Vinayakumar and CPC Jaswa played a key role in handling the digital aspects of the CEIR portal and tracking process.
“The contribution of our computer section staff was vital in ensuring that the technical procedures were followed correctly and efficiently,” Prabhu D.T. said.
Public urged to report thefts promptly
Police officials used the occasion to urge the public to report mobile phone thefts or losses without delay. They advised citizens to lodge complaints through the KSP app or at the nearest police station, providing accurate details such as the IMEI number of the device.
“Prompt reporting increases the chances of recovery. Citizens should also make use of the CEIR portal to block stolen phones, as it not only prevents misuse but also helps police trace the device,” the SDPO said.
Technology strengthening policing
The successful recovery of 60 mobile phones highlights the growing role of technology in law enforcement. Police officials noted that digital platforms such as the KSP app and the CEIR portal have made it easier for citizens to report crimes and for police to act swiftly.
Officials added that similar recovery drives would continue in the coming months, and efforts would be intensified to trace more stolen devices and return them to their owners.
Conclusion
The recovery and return of mobile phones worth ₹8.85 lakh has brought considerable relief to victims of theft in Udupi city. The initiative reflects the commitment of the Udupi City Police to citizen-centric policing and effective use of technology. Police officials reiterated that public cooperation, timely reporting and digital tools together play a crucial role in reducing crimes related to mobile phone theft and improving overall public trust in the police system.