In a remarkable display of technological prowess and dedicated policing, Aligarh Police in Uttar Pradesh has successfully traced and returned 238 lost or stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners. The handover ceremony brought smiles to the faces of many residents who had given up hope on recovering their devices.
Police officials revealed that this achievement was made possible through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal, a government initiative that tracks phones using their unique IMEI numbers. Over the course of several months, cyber cell teams meticulously followed leads, forming special units to hunt down these devices across various locations.
The recovered phones, boasting a combined market value of approximately Rs 48.95 lakh, included high-end multimedia smartphones packed with personal data, cherished memories, and essential documents. One recipient shared, ‘My phone had family photos and work files I thought were gone forever. The police have given me back more than just a device.’
This operation underscores the power of the CEIR platform, which allows citizens to report lost or stolen phones online, blocking them from misuse and enabling recovery. Authorities emphasized that prompt reporting to the nearest station and registering on the portal significantly boosts recovery chances.
Aligarh Police urged the public to note down IMEI numbers and report incidents immediately. ‘Technology is our ally in serving the community,’ said a senior officer, highlighting how such initiatives restore faith in law enforcement. This success story sets a benchmark for other districts, proving that persistence and innovation can reunite people with their valuables.