Peru imposes harsh penalties for stealing cellphones, including life in prison

Peru's penal code did not include prison time for stealing cellphones, but authorities say they decided to revisit the law after they saw an increasing rate of theft of mobile devices throughout the country. — Photo by Yura Fresh on Unsplash

LIMA, Peru: Peru’s government will impose harsh penalties for those who steal a cellphone, including life in prison if a robber kills someone while stealing their mobile device.

The changes to the country's penal code, approved recently in Congress, went into effect Oct 19.