D.C. Mayor To Announce New Cell Phone Theft Tool

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington's mayor plans to announce a new tool in the fight against cell phone theft.

Mayor Vincent Gray has scheduled a news conference Monday morning to discuss the new tool known as "bricking." Gray's office says bricking renders the phone useless to the thief, effectively eliminating its re-sale value.

The mayor's office says Police Chief Cathy Lanier also plans to deliver tips on how to stay safe during the holiday season and discuss holiday police deployments.

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