Jammu, Jan 16:
In a major breakthrough for community-centric policing, the Jammu & Kashmir Police announced today that a record 746 lost and stolen smartphones were recovered throughout the year 2025. Valued at an estimated ₹1.75 crore, the successful recovery drive was part of the specialized Operation “Re-CONNECT.”
The initiative culminated in several handover ceremonies where devices were returned to their rightful owners, many of whom expressed relief at retrieving sensitive personal data and official records stored on the devices.
A Tech-Driven Success
The operation was not a single event but a year-long, coordinated effort involving specialized technical teams from multiple zones across the district. The recovery was made possible through the collaboration of:
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South, North, and Rural Zones
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Police Headquarters Zone
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Cyber Police Station Jammu
By utilizing advanced digital tracking and surveillance tools, Jammu Police were able to trace devices not only within the Union Territory of J&K but also across various other states, showcasing an expanded footprint in tackling property-related offenses.
The recovery of these smartphones was a key highlight of the 2025 Annual Crime Review presented by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh.
Restoring Public Confidence
Operation Re-CONNECT has been lauded by local residents as a model for responsive and transparent policing. “It wasn’t just about the hardware,” one beneficiary remarked during the handover. “It was about the memories and the data that we thought were gone forever.”
Beyond recovery, the Jammu Police have reiterated their Safety Advisory for all citizens:
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Report Promptly: Always lodge an e-FIR or a missing report immediately on the Sanchar Saathi portal or at the nearest station.
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Digital Hygiene: Use two-factor authentication and device-tracking features (like ‘Find My Device’).
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Stay Updated: Regularly update software to prevent hackers from exploiting older security vulnerabilities.
