The Metropolitan Police, through its head Sir Mark Rowley, is urging technology and mobile phone companies to take steps that would make stolen handsets unusable for thieves. Across reports, the proposal focuses on reducing the value and attractiveness of stolen phones by preventing them from functioning or being effectively resold or used after theft. The approach is described as targeting the market for stolen devices by lowering their resale potential. The reports indicate that the police are seeking cooperation from phone manufacturers, service providers and other technology firms so that stolen phones cannot easily be activated or used by new owners. While details of the specific technical or legal mechanism are not fully set out in the coverage provided, the common theme is the introduction of measures that would block or limit use of stolen devices. The initiative is framed as a way to deter theft and disrupt the benefits criminals gain from stealing mobile phones.