Berlin police distribute cellphones to people in need, warn about phone thefts

BERLIN, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Berlin Police have reportedly been bringing cellphones to those in need, the department said in a Facebook post Thursday. They are also reminding people about ways to keep their phone from getting stolen.

Authorities are giving phones to unsheltered, low-income and other individuals experiencing crisis. Berlin officers say that the phones are pre-programmed with Berlin Street Outreach, the DCF hotline and other local resources.

“For people without stable housing or who are in crisis, reliable communication can mean faster help, safer outcomes, and the ability to connect to services that support recovery and stability,” writes Berlin PD.

Each phone is pre-programmed with a passcode, though officers still warn about a recent uptick in cellphone thefts. Officers say people should keep phones secure, use proper security features, plus notify authorities about lost or stolen devices.

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