'Mission Reconnect'- Delhi Police recovers over 400 stolen phones in metros

New Delhi, February 25

The Metro Unit, Delhi Police announced a significant success in recovering stolen mobile phone with "Mission Reconnect-Your Phone’s Journey Back Home," resulting in the recovery of over 450stolen phones valued more than one crore and returned to their rightful owner. 

As Delhi Police commemorate Delhi Police Week, Metro Unit has officially launch “Mission Reconnect-Your Phone’s Journey Back Home”,in a function held at Utsav Sadan, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.

250 victims/complainants were present and a total 201 mobile phones were handed over to their rightful owners. 

The officials said that mobile thefts now constitute over 80% of all crimes registered in the Delhi Metro, posing a formidable challenge to law enforcement. These offenses are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, organized network that facilitates the swift disposal of stolen devices.  Those residing outside Delhi find it difficult to return and claim their recovered phones and people also find it difficult to claim due to procedural complexities. 

DCP (Metro) Hareshwar Swami under the guidance of Spl CP Robin Hibu started working on "Mission Reconnect – Your Phone’s Journey back Home" on 30th January. This initiative is being closely supervised by Delhi CP Sanjay Arora, to ensure its effective implementation and success. 

This pioneering initiative is not only dedicated to recovering stolen mobile phones but to ensuring their prompt and hassle-free return to their rightful owners. A mobile phone today is more than a mere possession—it is a vital link to one’s personal, professional, and digital life. It is our responsibility to ensure that this link is restored.

The success of this mission lies in its structured, multi-tiered approach, facilitated through five specialized units working in seamless coordination and the Units are: -Technical Unit Field Unit, Nodal Officers Unit, Court Facilitation Unit and Reconnecting Unit

Technical Unit is responsible for tracking stolen devices using e-FIR data and on the basis of technical surveillance. 

Field Unit actively pursues and apprehends offenders, dismantling organized theft syndicates operating across the metro network. Given that stolen devices are frequently transported across state lines, 

Nodal Officers Unit has been established, wherein an Inspector-rank officer is designated for each state to facilitate cooperation with local law enforcement authorities.

Recognizing that legal proceedings often deter victims from reclaiming their stolen property, we have established a Court Facilitation Unit to work directly with judicial magistrates. This unit has streamlined the process by enabling virtual appearances for complainants, thereby eliminating the need for physical court visits. Furthermore, we have ensured that victims are not burdened by legal fees, which have previously acted as a deterrent to seeking justice. Upon securing the necessary release orders. 

Reconnecting Unit ensures the efficient return of recovered mobile phones—either at police stations or, where feasible, delivered directly to the rightful owner’s residence. 

The officials added that over 450 stolen mobile phones, valued at more than one crore rupees, have been recovered. Thirty-two specialized teams have traversed 16 states—from Kerala to Jammu & Kashmir, from Meghalaya to Gujarat—tracking stolen devices, apprehending perpetrators, and restoring property to its rightful owners.

DCP (Metro) Hareshwar Swami said, “This mission is about more than just recovery. It is about restoring trust, strengthening public confidence, and reaffirming our commitment to the people we serve. It is a demonstration that law enforcement is not merely reactive but proactive in its approach—that the Delhi Police is resolute in its pledge to uphold justice and ensure that no voice, no connection, and no citizen is left unheard”.