Warning on secondhand mobile phones

PHUKET: Police have warned people buying secondhand mobile phones, especially pawn shop owners, to be on the lookout for stolen items. The warning came after the recent discovery of 500-600 mobiles, some stolen, in a raid on a phone shop. Pawnbrokers could face jail if they bought stolen items, said Pol Col Paween Pongsirin, Superintendent of Phuket Town Police. “Nowadays, people can buy mobile phones more easily because the cost has come down,” he said. “But mobile phones are among the most frequently stolen items.” Pawnshop owners should ask to see paperwork proving ownership of the mobile before entering into an agreement. If the seller cannot provide proof of ownership, the police should be contacted immediately, he said.