A new mobile phone system that lets out a high-pitched scream when stolen has been introduced in London, with its makers claiming that the system would stamp out mobile theft in a couple of years.
The Remote XT system uses built-in software to link customers' mobile phones directly to a secure remote server which stores all their data from phone numbers to text messages and e-mails. If the owner's phone is lost or stolen, they can dial a 24-hour call centre and have it registered as a stolen.
The system immediately activates an alarm sounding like a high-pitched scream which can only be stopped by removing the battery. The system also disables the handset so that it cannot be used even if the thief inserts a new SIM card. Existing data is also wiped off the phone but, because the information has been stored centrally, it can be restored as soon as the victim gets a new phone, the system designers said.
Mark Whiteman, managing director of Remote XT, said: "If mobiles are not useable to anyone but the rightful owner, the phones become worthless and we'll see the market for stolen handsets stamped out once and for all."