KARACHI, Nov 15: A new specialized unit to combat rampant cellphones snatching has been established by the police in Karachi.

City police chief Tariq Jamil told Dawn that the Karachi Mobile Phone Crime Unit, apart from the prosecution side, would collect intelligence reports and analyze crime pattern, with an objective of prevention and detection of mobile phone thefts.

Headed by the DIGP Investigation-II and assisted by a DSP, the unit will collect reports about criminals involved in mobile phone snatching theft with the help of an intelligence cell to be created within the unit.

According to an order issued in this regard, the unit will create a database pertaining to the crime of phone snatching/theft.

The data will comprise incidents, profiles, photographs, fingerprints of involved criminals as well as information about the gangs involved in this type of crime and the network linking snatchers, their handlers as well as persons involved in sale, purchase of snatched or stolen cell phones.

In view of reports that cell phones are smuggled out of the city in bulk, the unit will coordinate with ASF for scanning domestic and international cargo at airports.

The order further maintained that the unit will coordinate with CPLC, PTA and mobile phone companies to ensure effective blocking of snatched, stolen mobile phones.

It will also propose amendments to make re-programming of blocked mobile phones a criminal offence. Manpower and equipment would be placed at the disposal of DIGP Investigation-II CCP for establishing the Karachi Mobile Phone Crime Unit.