Police recover missing iPhone using satellite technology

According to Kellett, who is from Cumwhinton near Carlisle, he first realised his iPhone was missing at around 5pm on Saturday 9th January.

"I lost my phone in the station car park in Carlisle. I found out when I got home and realised it was missing. The story of how I got it back is a mixture of swift action, high technology and a dash of sheer luck", he said.

As soon as he realised his iPhone was missing, he logged on to the Apple website and accessed the `locate my phone' function, which uses GPS technology to track a handset.

"It first showed my phone to be around Aglionby Street in Carlisle, then updates displayed it travelling towards Wigton. It stopped for a while at Red Dial and then set off again", he said.

It was at this stage that he phoned his local police.

"I explained the situation to the call handler, who promised someone would call back within the hour. PC David Drury from Brampton returned my call and, slightly dubiously but diligently, listened to my explanation of how I had the exact location of my phone near Wavertree", he said.

"I described the house, which I could see on the satellite images, and he said he would see what he could do", he added.

According to Kellett, at 8:30pm he received another phone call saying the police had retrieved the phone.

"PCs Andy Robertson and James Thistlethwaite from Wigton had visited the property and the householders – who planned to hand the phone into Wigton police station the following day – had immediately handed it over", he said.

"I still cannot quite believe it myself, but I commend the officers for their diligence and swift response, which has led to the recovery of my treasured phone", he added.

Commenting on the case, PC Drury said that he was initially taken aback by Kellett's explanation, as he wasn't aware that this facility was available with iPhones.

"Coming from an IT background, I quickly understood the technology and functionality involved. It was fascinating to be involved in the investigation and a pleasure to be able to return Mr Kellett's iPhone personally the following day", he said.

"Though fortunately not required in this case, such technology could prove to be a life-saver one day", he added.

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