Ecuador, in Quito your cell phone is a target for thieves

The Observatorio de Seuridad Ciudana recently released their report on stolen cell phones in Quito. In 2009, the number was 3,360. The number increased to 4,050 in 2010.

Numbers of phones are stolen from victims during the middle of the day when students are leaving school and after work when people are returning to their homes.

The sale of cell phones in Quito is big business. In the historic district of Quito there are at least 360 locales that sell phones. Many stores who deal in the stolen phones will take a phone in trade for a stolen phone which does not requiring paperwok. In Chillogallo, the markets of San Roque, Tumbaco, and El Camal are known to have numerous small dealers selling stolen phones. Often the phone the customer requests is delivered at another location. Read Article