After monitoring the theft of 1.2 million mobile phones
The government in Peru decided to impose harsh penalties on anyone who steals a mobile phone, including life imprisonment, if the thief kills someone while stealing the mobile phone.
Changes to the country's penal code, recently approved by Congress, took effect on Thursday.
Peru imposes harsh penalties on phone thieves
Peru's penal code did not include a prison sentence for theft of mobile phones, but authorities say they decided to reconsider the law after noticing a high rate of mobile device theft across the country.
During the first nine months of this year, 1.2 million mobile phones were reported stolen, according to the country's communications authority, which means 4,000 devices were stolen every day.
Interior Minister Vicente Romero said the new penalties would send "a clear warning to all those who steal cell phones."
There are at least 11 crimes punishable by life imprisonment in Peru, including the murder of women, the kidnapping of young children and the sexual exploitation of minors, according to the Associated Press.
The new penal code stipulates that mobile phone theft carries an initial penalty of 12 years in prison, and may reach 30 years if the person uses a weapon or explosives during the theft.