Last Friday afternoon, the Bogotá authorities carried out an operation to register and control mobile devices in the area of the intersection of Calle 13 and Avenida Caracas, in the commercial area of the city center. The joint action was led by the Bogotá Metropolitan Police, with the support of the District Secretariat of Security, Coexistence and Justice.
The intervention, which lasted more than three hours, aimed to verify the legality of mobile and technological equipment that is sold in establishments dedicated to the sale and repair of cell phones, responding to multiple citizen complaints about the possible sale of stolen or manipulated equipment in this area.
Uniformed officers and officials arrived unexpectedly at seven commercial premises, where an exhaustive review of the devices was carried out by verifying the IMEI codes – a unique identifier that allows you to verify if a phone has been reported as stolen or altered.
Photo: District Security Secretariat
As a result of these inspections, the authorities seized a total of 21 mobile phones that presented irregularities: six of them were reported stolen, while 15 showed obvious signs of manipulation in their systems or software. Additionally, three computers were retained that did not have documentation proving their legal origin and that, according to the authorities, could have been used to alter devices.
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The confiscated technological elements remained in the custody of the competent authorities to initiate the corresponding legal procedures.
Photo: District Security Secretariat
According to the district secretary of Security, César Restrepo, these types of operations seek to hit the points of illegal marketing of mobile equipment, discourage the theft of cell phones and protect citizens, since the circulation of stolen equipment not only affects those who are victims of this crime, but also fuels criminal economies in the city center.
The actions on Calle 13 are part of the authorities’ permanent controls to combat the theft of cell phones and the irregular marketing of technological devices in sectors with high commercial influx.
The authorities took the opportunity to remind citizens of the importance of keeping the IMEI number and reporting any criminal act to the Police. They also reiterated that, if they are a victim of theft, people can contact the Ministry of Security through Line 123, or with the Comprehensive Complaint Assistance Team (AIDE), by dialing (601) 377 9595, extension 1137.
Photo: District Security Secretariat