A new law will require companies to cut service to cell phones as soon as they are reported stolen.
The law, which Gov. Kathy Hochul signed on Tuesday, aims to eliminate the incentive to steal cell phones by quickly making them inoperable.
Cell phone theft has become a source of significant annoyance for most New Yorkers. According to the language in the bill, stolen phones are often not reported. Even when they are, and when service is disabled, some can still be used internationally or through wifi connections, the bill says.
“I’m committed to using every possible tool to keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said in a statement.
None of the three major mobile phone companies immediately responded to messages.
The bill is named for Detective Brian Simonsen, who was killed in 2019 when NYPD officers shot and killed one of their own when responding to a cell phone store robbery. According to court testimony, Simonsen, 42, was killed when police confronted Christopher Ransom in a T-Mobile store with a fake gun. In a hail of more than 40 bullets, Simonsen, Sergeant Matthew Gorman and Ransom were hit.
“This law enacted in the memory of Detective Brian Simonsen is the best memorial we could ever give to the Simonsen family and to all police officers,” NYPD detective union President Scott Munro said.
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