This is aimed at Brits but it's worth reading <inc internal links> as it applies to all:

Mobile phone theft paper highlights models targeted by thieves

The phone companies could easily stop mobile theft at a stroke. Each phone has a unique number which it identifies itself to the network to get a connection. If you dial *#06# send you will get your number. This number is very hard to change unlike just dropping a new Sim in and doing a factory reset. If network operators were to simply bar these phones from all networks the phones would become worthless and so not really worth stealing. I thought they had already done this years ago in the UK but evidently not.

The phone companies could easily stop mobile theft at a stroke. Each phone has a unique number which it identifies itself to the network to get a connection. If you dial *#06# send you will get your number. This number is very hard to change unlike just dropping a new Sim in and doing a factory reset. If network operators were to simply bar these phones from all networks the phones would become worthless and so not really worth stealing. I thought they had already done this years ago in the UK but evidently not.

They have, but you think these phones aren't worth a few quid in other countries?

I'm sorry but I'm not having it that all these phones are going out of the country. Most of the people stealing these phones are opportunistic thieves not international criminal gangs.

The phone companies could easily stop mobile theft at a stroke. Each phone has a unique number which it identifies itself to the network to get a connection. If you dial *#06# send you will get your number. This number is very hard to change unlike just dropping a new Sim in and doing a factory reset. If network operators were to simply bar these phones from all networks the phones would become worthless and so not really worth stealing. I thought they had already done this years ago in the UK but evidently not.

This unique 16 digit number also appears above the barcode on the box at the point of purchase.

HTH

The phone companies could easily stop mobile theft at a stroke. Each phone has a unique number which it identifies itself to the network to get a connection. If you dial *#06# send you will get your number. This number is very hard to change unlike just dropping a new Sim in and doing a factory reset. If network operators were to simply bar these phones from all networks the phones would become worthless and so not really worth stealing. I thought they had already done this years ago in the UK but evidently not.

This unique 16 digit number also appears above the barcode on the box at the point of purchase.

HTH

I'ts called the IMEI code. When knowledge of this code was still uncommon in the early 90's (when GSM appeared), it was considered impossible to change. Now you can go to any phone repair shop and they'll change it for you in seconds.

I'm sorry but I'm not having it that all these phones are going out of the country. Most of the people stealing these phones are opportunistic thieves not international criminal gangs.

Ever heard of car boot sales!