Stolen handsets could soon be a thing of the past. Cellular operators like Escotel are tying up with the local police to track down stolen handsets by using the unique IME number attached to every mobile handset.

Escotel in Kerala, in collaboration with the state police, has recovered nearly 70 handsets that were stolen in the past few months. "The modus operandi is that when a theft is reported we take down the IME number of the handset. Using our base stations, we are able to pinpoint the exact location of the stolen handset and then inform the police," said Sanjoy Mohanty, chief marketing officer, Escotel Mobile.

Airtel in Delhi has enabled the police to recover 10-12 handsets every month. "At present, we track stolen mobiles only if the police instructs us. But we will get pro-active in taking request from customers," said Sanjay Nandarajog, chief executive officer, Bharti Cellular, Delhi.

Other operators are set to follow. Currently, most operators jam the mobile handset if it is stolen, which makes the instrument useless. But in this case the monetary loss to the consumer cannot be prevented and in case the handset is recovered, the owner is not able to use it anymore.

Industry estimates put the number of stolen handsets between 500-800 across the country in a year. At an average of Rs 10,000 a set, this amounts to a loss of nearly Rs 8,000,000.

Pankaj Mahendroo, president, Indian Cellular Association, says the telecommunications regulator should make it mandatory for all operators to provide such services to their consumers since technology permits tracking of stolen handsets.

"It will also put a break on handsets sold through the grey market as some of them may have duplicate IME numbers, which can also be tracked by the operators," said Mahendroo.