Posted by: Neil Stewart in CheckMEND, CheckMEND USA, Crime, Immobilise, Immobilize, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, NMPR, Police, Recipero, ReportMyLoss
 Today July 23rd it was officially agreed that CheckMEND would be the first approved due diligence service to be used and officially endorsed under a new Home Office/recycling industry code of practice.
The signing of the new code of practice by over 90% of the mobile phone recycling industry means that for the first time there are agreed guidelines for the checking of handsets offered for sale to the industry and this includes using the CheckMEND service to check the National Mobile Phone/Property Register.
Adrian Portlock CEO of Recipero the operator of CheckMEND said:
This is a major step forward for the industry and CheckMEND and we are really pleased the industry has recognised their responsibilities in checking products they are buying, this model needs to be extended to all handlers of used goods and retailers taking trade ins and we will be pushing for this to be the case, but this is an excellent start.
For more information please see the following sites:
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 Boston Police have today (30th June 2010) agreed to a 30 day trial of the new CheckMEND service in the USA prior to it going live with all pawn and second-hand dealers in their jurisdiction. If the trial is successful Recipero see this as a very exciting opportunity to extend the service to every US law enforcement agency to create a national free transaction submission and Police checking service.
Unlike Europe second hand dealers and pawnbrokers in the US have to supply details of transactions to their local law enforcement agencies so CheckMEND has widened its remit to include this in the process of running a due diligence check. At the same time Recipero, the owner of CheckMEND, has rewritten its US NMPR platform so free of charge US law enforcement will be able to view CheckMEND transaction data via the US NMPR as well as being able to match the data with crime reports provided to the NMPR (via the Trace Checker system) from over 18,000 US law enforcement agencies.
Ken Bouche who leads business development for CheckMEND and Trace Checker in the US said:
This is the culmination of over 2 years work to allow traders and pawn brokers to supply for free transaction data to an online database that can be checked also free of charge by the Police. Bolting on the stolen data from Trace Checker which Recipero took over late in 2009 is inspired and provides a whole new service for the trade to ensure they are not buying stolen or dubious goods that have been reported as stolen to their local law enforcement agency. If the service grows to be as popular in the US as it is in Europe this will be a very significant step for forward for everyone involved
For more information please contact us: www.recipero.com/contact
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Posted by: Neil Stewart in Bikes, CheckMEND, CheckMEND USA, Crime, Immobilise, Immobitag, Lost Property, Mobile Phones, NMPR, Police, Recipero, ReportMyLoss
Recipero’s CheckMEND service in conjunction with the Police’s NMPR system has proven to be a key tool in the identification and prosecution of crimes related to stolen goods.
On the 14th May, a man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for handling stolen goods. Alexander Smith, aged 40, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after a two year investigation conducted by Avon and Somerset Police’s burglary team and crime reduction unit in Bristol.
Officers were able to prove that Smith had been knowingly buying stolen mobile phones by utilising an online system known as CheckMEND. This system allows members of the public to check if a mobile phone is stolen before buying it.
Police searched a shop in East Street, Bedminster and identified more than 20 phones that were stolen from victims in both burglaries and robberies, many of which had occurred in the South Bristol area. A stolen pedal cycle was also found at Smith’s home address.
During one of these incidents, a female victim positively identified her stolen phone in Smith’s shop. Smith then demanded £40 from the victim before he would return her phone.
PC Frank Simonds, from Bristol Crime Reduction Unit, said:
The use of CheckMEND technology now allows the police to prove if stolen phones are being bought and sold by second hand retailers.
We will be relentless in our pursuit of those dealing in stolen goods.
Many phones that were proven to be stolen had been registered by owners on the Immobilise database. Registering phones enables the police to return them to their rightful owners.
Members of the public can register their phone for free by visiting www.immobilise.com
Members of the public can check if a mobile phone is stolen by visiting www.checkmend.com.
Retailers can receive advice on protecting their business from handling stolen goods as part of Operation Recover run by Avon and Somerset Police.
To read the source release in full please go to: Avon & Somerset Police
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 Police in Avon and Somerset yesterday (Thursday December 17) held their latest “Relentless” day, focussing on the prevention of theft and burglary.
There have been 26 Operation Relentless “days of action” since its launch in June 2005, which has resulted in more than 2150 arrests.
“Operation Relentless on Property” has targeted thieves and those who handle stolen goods in addition to highlighting crime prevention initiatives to the public to foil burglars and other criminals.
As part of the day of action, police and partner agencies engaged in a range of activities across Somerset. A warrant was carried out in the Taunton area leading to the arrest of a man for handling stolen goods. Vulnerable Vehicle Checks were carried out across the area, inspecting vehicles and identifying those with items of value left on display. The owners of the cars have been sent a letter reminding them to keep items such as phones, MP3s and Satellite Navigation Systems out of sight.
Officers also visited several second hand goods retailers with Trading Standards to ensure that they were complying with regulations and not trading in stolen items. Six arrests were made during the course of the morning. Five men were arrested for theft and another man was arrested for handling stolen goods. Four have been given bail pending further enquiries.
Officers from the district’s CID department also managed to reunite 250 items of detained property with their rightful owners this week.
Detective Inspector Alan West said:
When police receive items of property that have been recovered from thefts and burglaries, officers try to trace the owners of the items to return their possessions to them. If electrical items are registered on Immobilise and other items such as jewellery or antiques are property marked with the owners address or postcode, this process can be straightforward.
However, unmarked or unregistered items can languish in the Detained Property Department unclaimed for long periods and some items can never be linked to an owner. I would really encourage the public to either register their items on Immobilise or mark them with a UV pen or other property marking device so we can return them to you if the worst were to happen. Marking your items can also sometimes act as a deterrent to would be criminals.
Neighbourhood officers and PCSOs were also in Taunton town centre this morning registering people’s property, such as mobile phones, cameras and mp3 players, on the Immobilise website and carrying out bike and property marking. The Deputy Chief Constable, Rob Beckley, joined them in giving festive advice on how to beat the burglars and assisted with a bicycle property marking session. The team will be in the town centre again on January 13 and 21 offering these services for those who had new bikes or electronic equipment for Christmas.
In Bridgwater, officers held a property marking session at Bridgwater College for the students to register mobile phones and laptops on the Immobilise website and officers from Burnham-on-Sea visited King Alfred School in Highbridge and Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar to take property marking kits to mark and record mobile phones and MP3 players. Other property marking sessions also took place in Wellington Square in Minehead and the Town Hall in Dulverton.
DCC Beckley said:
We really want people to have a wonderful Christmas and New Year but we ask them to take some sensible measures to ensure that their festive period isn’t marred by becoming a victim of opportunistic thieves. One-in-four burglaries occur after the householder failed to secure their home and the burglar entered the property via an open door or window!
I encourage people to think about how their house looks when they go out – don’t make it obvious that there is nobody home, leave a light on and the radio playing and most importantly – make sure you lock all doors and windows, even if you are only popping out for a short period of time.
Inspector Nick Greenhalgh from the Community Safety team at Taunton Police Station said people can help protect themselves from opportunistic thieves by employing these simple measures:
- Ensure windows and doors are shut and locked when you are out
- Lock sheds and garages
- Don’t leave car keys left in an outside porch or within reach of letter boxes
- Shoppers are advised not to leave presents in view on car seats. They should be taken home immediately and not left in the vehicle.
- Christmas presents – wrapped or unwrapped – should not be left in view in the home.
- Don’t leave boxes from new TVs or laptops on display outside your home, take them to the tip.
- Register your property on www.immobilise.com
- Mark your property – kits are available from your local police teams.
Further information regarding home security and crime prevention can be obtained from your local Safer Stronger Neighbourhood team. You can contact them by calling 0845 456 7000 or you can log on to our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk and select the Crime Prevention heading.
To read the source article in full please go to: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/NewsDetails.aspx?nsid=18923&t=1&lid=5
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 The Wincanton neighbourhood policing team has been out delivering festive message to its residents
More than 450 homes were visited by the team who spoke to residents about what steps to take to take for a crime-free Christmas. People at home were reminded not to tempt thieves by keeping presents out of sight, making sure their house is secure and that empty houses looked occupied by leaving a television or radio on and using timer switches on lights.
The day of activity, on Wednesday 9 December, was undertaken in partnership with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service who spoke to residents about fire prevention this winter. Residents were asked to ensure smoke alarms were fitted and working, reminded not to overload power sockets and advised to check their Christmas tree lights before putting them up.
Where there was no answer at houses an advice leaflet was posted through its door.
The event was organised by Police Constable Sara Stephenson, the beat manager for Bruton. Speaking afterwards, Sara said:
Christmas is a special time for people to relax and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Becoming a victim of crime at Christmas can spoil the festive period so we have been out reminding people how to avoid being targeted this year. The message was well received by the residents we spoke to and I am confident most will act on the advice we gave.
Top tips for staying safe:
- Lock up and set the alarm in the evening as well as when you go out
- Seem in when you’re out by setting a timer switch to turn the lights on at dusk
- Post code your valuables and register them for free at www.immobilise.com – it could help convict a burglar and return your property
- Keep your keys and handbag or wallet hidden safely out of sight
- Don’t advertise your property to thieves: hide Christmas presents and don’t put boxes out for rubbish collection, bag them first
- Join or set up Neighbourhood Watch
- Call police immediately if you see anything you think is suspicious
- Make sure ladders and tools are secured otherwise a thief could use them to break into your home.
To view the source article please go to: Avon and Somerset Police Website
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With autumn now upon us and the nights drawing in, Sussex Police are encouraging residents to leave a light on this winter.
Leaving your home during hours of darkness, without putting a light on or drawing the curtains, is an open invitation to the opportunist criminal that there is no-one at home.
This simple message is one of the key themes of this year’s “Operation Twilight” campaign – which offers valuable advice on how to go about ensuring burglars are left in the dark during the winter months.
Dennis Donovan, Force Crime Prevention Officer from the Community Safety Branch said:
It sounds simple advice, but when it is dark outside people don’t always think to draw their curtains or leave a light on if they are going to be out.
To the opportunist burglar, it is almost an invite. A house that is in darkness is the easiest target as no-one is likely to be home. It doesn’t take long for a burglar to get inside and steal property, particularly things that are easy to sell such as televisions, videos, computers, jewellery and antiques.
Unfortunately, every year sees a spate of early evening burglaries associated with the clocks going back and Sussex Police will be distributing Operation Twilight flyers throughout the Force area.
Between January 1st and the end of July 2006 the number of burglaries in Sussex had reduced by 21%, meaning 1,388 fewer victims in real terms. This is the biggest year-on-year percentage reduction for more than a decade and Sussex Police want to ensure this success continues.
In addition to regististering property on the Immobilise Property Register, the Sussex Police website also provides a good checklist of actions to consider to make your home more secure this winter. To view them please go to the Sussex Police website where the source news story can be read in full:
http://www.sussex.police.uk/operations/op_twilight.asp
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The News Shopper in Bromley has reported that thieves are facing instant detection on the streets after the borough’s police became the first in London to purchase portable scanners.
The handheld device scans the IMEI barcode inside the back of a mobile phone and checks it against the national property register to see if it is registered as stolen.
It can also be used to check mobile phones, laptops, MP3 players and bikes, and for phones where the barcode is not easily accessable officers can simply key in the IMEI number (accessable on all phones by keying *#06#) directly into the device.
Borough commander Chief Superintendent Charles Griggs said:
The operation is one of many throughout the year where we focus on the safety of the travelling public and tackling crime and disorder on public transport.
What is different is the use of Apollo. As a portable handheld solution Apollo offers my officers remote access to the national mobile phone register whether out in the field or in the custody suite and gives us the opportunity to quickly identify stolen property.
Bromley police is encouraging everyone to register with the secure national property register at immobilise.com.
This will help the police to identify items and return them to their owners if they get lost or stolen.
Anyone with information about robbery in Bromley should call the police on 01689 891212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
To read the source article in full please go to: The News Shopper
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Police officers in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire have recovered a high value bicycle and returned it to its rightful owner after it was listed for sale on the online auction site Ebay.
The Marin Mount Vision 5.8 2009 model bike was stolen, along with a Hard Tail mountain bike, from a home in Hester’s Way Lane in Cheltenham between 10pm on Wednesday August 5 and 5.45am on Thursday August 6.
Annoyed by the theft of their bikes one of the owners began searching online auction sites and immediately recognised one of stolen bikes as theirs. The police were alerted and acted straight away carrying out a warrant at an address in Springbank Grove, the marin bike, which is valued at approximately £2850, was recovered and a 29-year-old man arrested.
The man was later charged with theft of a pedal cycle and bailed to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on September 18. The second bike has not yet been recovered and officers continue to work to try and locate it so that it can also be returned to its owner.
Officers are encouraging cyclists to register their bikes on www.immobilise.com, a website that allows you to create a free, private and secure portfolio of all of your personal property and adds the items to the National Mobile Property Register. If the bike, or registered item, is then lost or stolen the website can be used to tell the Police, your insurer and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief.
If you are about to purchase a second-hand bike and are unsure of the bikes history we recommend you consider checking the bikes serial number against Immobilise’s sister service CheckMEND – The Second-hand Database of Lost, Stolen and Counterfeit Goods.
Anyone who thinks they may have seen the outstanding bike is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 94 of August 6. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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 Rochdale Online has reported that over 100 people have been arrested as part of a massive police crackdown on burglaries.
Officers carried out 110 raids, in search of stolen property and other evidence linking the occupants to criminal activity.
Operation Storm, which is aimed at targeting burglars by Greater Manchester Police resulted in 140 arrests being made between 20-24 July.
A team of highly qualified and experienced senior police officers and staff hand-picked to manage Operation Storm will continue to tackle burglary into the New Year.
Though the new high-impact initiative is intelligence and enforcement led police have also stepped up awareness raising activity aimed at making residents aware of how they can significantly decrease their chances of falling victim to this distressing crime.
Over the weekend officers were based at the entrances of almost 90 major supermarkets in the region during all opening hours.
They gave shoppers information on how they can provide police with the vital information they need to bring criminals to justice.
Officers also visited hundreds of homes as part of the week of action to give crime reduction advice and literature to householders and encourage them to register their valuables on the free, easy to use Immobilise.com property database.
Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson who heads up the Operation Storm initiative said:
The results of this week of action shows that Greater Manchester Police is taking the fight against burglary to the offender.
Residents can be assured that this is only the first of a whole range of enforcement activities that will be brought to bear on burglars in the coming months. Offenders will be left with no place to shelter from the wrath of this Storm.
People can help us bang up burglars by providing information on crime and criminal activity either to us directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To read the source article in full please go to: Rochdale Online
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‘Register your phone with Immobilise’ is the message from police to revellers headed to Glastonbury Festival next week.
With the gates to Glastonbury Festival opening in just a matter of days around 177,000 people will be travelling to Pilton, many of them with mobile phones, digital cameras, iPods and cash in their pockets.
And while the majority of these people will have little more to worry about than what band to watch previous year’s experience suggests that a small number may become victims of crime.
While crime remains low at Glastonbury Festival, there was a rise in thefts from tents last year – particularly in the first two days of the event – and mobile phones proved to be a particular target.
As a result police are this year urging Glastonbury-goers to register their mobile phones and other essential valuables on the Immobilise Database, before heading to the event, so if they are lost or stolen they can more easily be returned to their owners.
The best advice for not getting your stuff stolen while you are at the festival is not to take it with you – but if you do have to take it – make sure its stored securely and wherever possible make use of the festival’s free property lock-ups available throughout the site.
Police will be at the festival, both in uniform and undercover, on horseback, cycles, and on foot to deter any potential criminals but there are also lots of simple things which you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible and reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
Sergeant Kerry Williams said:
Crime at Glastonbury Festival is low and the crimes that do happen can be easily prevented. We’re urging people to plan carefully ahead of this year’s festival and leave any unnecessary valuables at home. However if they do need to take the items with them make sure they are registered on the Immobilise Database and are stored securely by making use of the free property lock-ups.
I would also urge people not to leave anything valuable unattended in their tents and I’d recommend marking their property, which can both deter thieves and help to show who the rightful owner is.
To read the source article in full please go to: Avon and Somerset Police
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