News

EcoATM recognized for anti-theft efforts

October 17, 2013

The electronics recycling kiosk company ecoATM received some validation this week by the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, following months of criticism that its kiosks encourage theft.

The company announced that its verification process was recognized as an "emerging and innovative method to recycle outdated electronics."

"Crime trends related to cell phone theft are a serious problem requiring the attention and resources of law enforcement," said Charles Robb, executive director of FBI-LEEDA. "We urge law enforcement personnel to understand the facts about this issue and to fairly evaluate this matter."

EcoATM and FBI-LEEDA will begin co-hosting a series of training events for law enforcement professionals across the U.S., focused on strategies to prevent and combat mobile phone theft. The first of these events will take place in San Diego, Dec. 11-13.

"We are committed to working closely with local law enforcement around the country to make an ecoATM kiosk the worst place for a criminal to try and sell stolen property," said Mark Bowles, founder of ecoATM.

Read more about vending kiosks.