Important information to know before you report a stolen cellphone.

When one’s cellphone is stolen, there is certain information the police will require when you open a case.
On behalf of the Parkview Police Station Commander Colonel Devan Govender, spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko shared the following information:

Firstly, get your International mobile equipment identity (IMEI), which is a unique 15-digit number to identify a mobile phone.

To get your IMEI number, dial *#06# from your device and your IMEI number will be displayed on your screen.

Always keep your IMEI number safe in case your mobile phone has been stolen or lost, and blacklist your stolen cellphone.

Procedure to be followed when you wish to blacklist your stolen cellphone:

• Inform your network provider of your loss.
• Cell C – dial 140 from Cell C numbers or 084 140 from other cellphone networks.
• MTN – dial 173 (prepaid) or 808 (contract) from MTN numbers or 083 1173 from a landline or other cellphone networks.
• Vodacom – dial 111 from a Vodacom number or 082 111 from a landline.
• You will then receive a reference number (ITC number) to prove that your cellphone has been blacklisted.
• Report the loss of your cellphone to your nearest police station by providing the IMEI number, and ITC number. The police will register a case number.

The national police coordinator will receive monthly reports of the number of cellphones that have been robbed or stolen all over the country. He or she will then compile a national database of cellphones that had been blacklisted in that month.

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