The Most Smuggled Phones in UK Prisons and Why It’s a Problem
Mobile phone smuggling in UK prisons is a growing issue, allowing inmates to organise criminal activities, contact the outside world, and even operate illegal businesses from behind bars. But which phones are the most commonly smuggled, how do they get in, and what is being done to stop it?
Why Are Phones Smuggled Into Prisons?
Prisoners use phones for various reasons—some just to stay in touch with family, while others use them for illegal activities, such as drug dealing, coordinating smuggling operations, and intimidating witnesses.
Contraband phones offer unrestricted communication, avoiding monitored prison landlines. This makes them valuable inside the prison system, where a smuggled phone can sell for hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
The Most Smuggled Phones in UK Prisons
Phones that get smuggled into UK prisons tend to have specific characteristics—they need to be small, discreet, and easy to hide. Here are the most common models used by inmates:
1. Zanco Tiny T1
Often described as the world’s smallest phone, the Zanco Tiny T1 is just 46mm tall. Its tiny size makes it easy to smuggle, and despite its limited features, it allows prisoners to send texts and make calls.
2. Beat the Boss Mini Phone
Designed to be undetectable by metal detectors, the Beat the Boss phone is a popular contraband device. It’s small, plastic-bodied, and can bypass most prison security checks.
3. Nokia 105
A classic, durable feature phone, the Nokia 105 is often modified to remove its battery for easier concealment. Its long battery life makes it perfect for use in a prison environment.
4. Alcatel 1066
Another cheap, small phone with a long-lasting battery, the Alcatel 1066 is often used by prisoners for communication. It’s basic, reliable, and easy to hide.
5. L8Star BM70
This miniature phone is popular among smugglers due to its incredibly small size and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing prisoners to pair it with hidden earpieces for covert conversations.
How Are Phones Smuggled Into Prisons?
Phones make their way into UK prisons through various methods, including:
- Visitors: Some visitors attempt to smuggle phones in hidden compartments or within food packages.
- Staff Corruption: In some cases, prison officers or contractors have been caught bringing in contraband phones for financial gain.
- Drone Deliveries: Criminal networks use drones to drop phones directly into prison yards, bypassing security checks.
- Internal Concealment: Some prisoners attempt to smuggle phones inside their bodies to avoid detection.
What Is Being Done to Stop Phone Smuggling?
The UK government and prison services have introduced various measures to tackle the issue of smuggled phones, including:
- Phone Detection Technology: Prisons are investing in phone-detection scanners and signal-blocking equipment to prevent unauthorised calls.
- Prison Phone Jamming: Some prisons use signal-jamming technology to disrupt unauthorised mobile communications.
- Increased Body Searches: Enhanced security screenings, including full-body scanners, aim to detect phones hidden on or inside prisoners.
- Tougher Penalties: Smuggling a phone into a prison is a criminal offence, leading to extended sentences and fines.
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Smuggled phones in UK prisons remain a major security issue, allowing criminals to continue illegal activities from behind bars. As technology evolves, so do efforts to prevent unauthorised mobile use. If you’re looking to upgrade, don’t forget to sell your phone for the best deal before switching to a new device.