Gujarat Achieves 46.71% Recovery Rate In Stolen Mobile Phones Using CEIR System

Gujarat Police have significantly strengthened their digital tracking systems to combat mobile phone theft, helping the state achieve the third-highest position in India for recovering stolen devices. Over the past year, authorities have successfully traced and returned 53,564 mobile phones, recording a recovery rate of 46.71%, well above the national average of 32.6%.

Officials said the improved performance reflects a shift towards a technology-driven policing model. In coordination with the Department of Telecommunications, Gujarat Police has been using platforms such as the Sanchar Saathi portal and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system. These tools allow investigators to track and block stolen devices using their unique IMEI numbers, effectively making it harder for stolen phones to be reused or sold in secondary markets.

Nationwide, more than 50 lakh mobile phones have been blocked using these systems, with Gujarat accounting for 1,83,985 blocked devices. However, police officials emphasized that blocking is only the first step, while actual recovery of devices remains the more complex and impactful part of enforcement.

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District-level coordination has played a major role in the state’s success. Ahmedabad city led recovery efforts, followed by Dang district, which was noted for its high efficiency despite handling fewer cases. Bhavnagar district also contributed steadily, maintaining consistent recovery outcomes across reported cases. The efforts of police personnel were recently acknowledged at a state-level event, where State Police Chief K. L. N. Rao honoured nodal officers from top-performing districts. The recognition highlighted their role in improving coordination between cyber units, field officers, and telecom tracking systems.

Officials added that recovering stolen phones has wider implications beyond returning property to citizens. It helps dismantle illegal resale networks and reduces the risk of cybercrime linked to stolen devices. With rising recovery rates and stronger digital infrastructure, Gujarat’s approach is increasingly being seen as a model for tackling mobile theft as a traceable and preventable crime.

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