Law officials in Metro Vancouver say the theft of electronic devices is increasing dramatically, and it’s hoped a nation-wide registry of stolen phones will curb the problem.

More than 100 law officials met in New Westminster Wednesday to address the growing issue and to look for solutions.

Const. Anne Drennan of the Transit Police said there are 700 files involving robberies and the theft of electronic devices at or near SkyTrain stations since the beginning of the year.

Drennan said the number represents a 31 per cent increase in the amount of violent robberies where electronic devices are taken, despite a campaign by B.C. Transit aimed at making smartphone users more attuned to their surroundings.

Police say there are a number of methods crooks are using to separate phones from their owners.

Sometimes victims are asked for the time or directions in order to distract them, while in other cases thieves will ask the person to borrow their phone to make a call.

Drennan said a group of suspects will sometimes follow a victim away from a SkyTrain station until they are alone, before they move in to steal their phone.

“They will demand an electronic device, produce perhaps a handgun,” she said.

Insp. Tim Shields said thieves are motivated by profit and the phones aren’t being kept for personal use.

“Most stolen devices end up on online sales sites like Craigslist,” he said.

Law officials hope one solution to the thefts may come in the form of a national database where the serial numbers of stolen phones can be collected.

The database, run by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, will see series numbers of stolen cell phones blacklisted and barred from use in every wireless provider in the country.

The registry will be introduced in Canada by September 30. Until then, police are warning people to stay alert, keep their devices close and never lend out their phones.

Earlier this week, Surrey RCMP issued a warning after a man was brutally assaulted during a cell phone robbery.

In that case, thieves followed the man inside a Surrey apartment building and delivered a vicious beating before fleeing.