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Teenager killed after tracing stolen smartphone using mobile-tracking-app

Police have warned against phone owners using apps to track down and confront suspected thieves

Siobhan Fenton
Thursday 18 June 2015 15:36 BST
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A Canadian teenager has been killed after tracking down his stolen mobile using a tracking app.

Jeremy Cook, 18, left his smart phone in a taxi at the weekend. Police officials say that Mr Cook then tracked the phone using an app and found that his phone was at a residential address. He and a relative made their way to the property in an attempt to confront the owners and retrieve the device.

Upon arrival, the pair were confronted by three men in a car. A struggle ensued as Cook attempted to run after the car and attempted to open the car door whilst it sped off. He was shot multiple times.

A search for the three men is now underway.

Local police have warned of the risks of using such apps to confront phone thieves in potentially dangerous situations.

Police Constable Ken Steeves told The Canadian Press: “The app itself is a great tool to have. Nobody could ever predict that what occurred was going to occur in that case.

"But if you suspect there's any potential for violence at all, we certainly encourage people to contact police. We'd be more than happy to come out and investigate with the hopes of retrieving the phone."

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