US Mobile Carriers Won't Brick Stolen Phones

WheezyJoe writes "NBC News has some disturbing security video of people getting assaulted for their smartphones. Such offenses are on the rise. Police chiefs like D.C.'s Cathy Lanier are asking U.S. mobile carriers to brick phones that are reported stolen, in order to dry up what must be a big underground market for your favorite Android device or iPhone — but right now the carriers won't do it. Such an approach has had success in Australia and the U.K."

Comments

Avoid bad areas and don't display valuable objects

[couchslug]

Part of not getting mugged is not looking like a target and avoiding bad areas. If you actually NEED a smartphone ("it makes you money") then conceal it and don't answer it in Chud zones.

The ROE for avoiding scumbags hasn't changed since Ogg coveted Zorgs shiny rock.

Don't display shiny rocks, and if it's an option be able, willing, and ready to use lethal force in self-defence.