Authorities in Lahore have issued a serious warning for people buying second-hand mobile phones, urging citizens to remain cautious amid rising cases of stolen devices circulating in the resale market.
According to data compiled by the Lahore Police Tracking Unit, more than 35,000 individuals were found using stolen mobile phones between 2018 and 2026.
Police officials revealed that during this seven-year period, over 35,000 stolen mobile devices were traced and recovered, and legal action was taken against users found in possession of these phones. The total value of recovered devices exceeds Rs. 87.5 million, highlighting the scale of the issue.
The data further shows that more than 6,000 stolen or snatched mobile phones were tracked in the past year alone. In 2026, the recovered phones were valued at over Rs. 15 million, indicating that the problem remains persistent.
Police have advised citizens to verify mobile phone IMEI numbers before purchasing used devices and avoid buying phones without proper documentation. Officials stressed that unknowingly using a stolen phone can still lead to legal consequences.
Authorities say continued monitoring and tracking efforts are underway, but public cooperation is essential to curb the illegal resale of stolen mobile phones in the city.
