New law cracks down on cell phone theft

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) – Gov. Kathy Hochul signed "Detective Brian Simonsen's Law," targeting cell phone theft in New York. The law takes effect around February 24, which is 90 days from being signed on November 26.

S7739B/A8994A make wireless companies set up systems to prevent devices from being used by thieves, disabling any phones that were reported to them as stolen. They also can't activate any device listed on the GSMA Block List, a global registry of stolen devices.

Even when reported stolen, phones can still work on Wi-Fi or in another country, so they often end up on the black market. That's why retailers also have to report stolen phones to update the GSMA Block List under the law. This should prompt carriers to suspend more mobile gear that's been plundered.

Under the new law, they'll have to report unique details like the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This system is supposed to help law enforcement track stolen devices and identify theft rings.

Democratic Assemblymember Amy Paulin sponsored the bill, working with law enforcement and telecommunications industry experts to disincentivize robberies and prevent violence. It was inspired by the 2019 death of Det. Simonsen while responding to the scene of a robbery at a cell phone store in Queens. Officers fired at a suspect, but a stray bullet hit the detective.

“We need to keep our officers and residents safe, and this is a commonsense step in that direction," Paulin said. "If robbers know they won’t be able to use the phones they steal, there’s no reason to steal them."