Don't wanna ruin anyone's argument, but mobile phone theft is rising and it's got nothing to do with the fact wether you can change your IMEI or not. It's due to the rise in gadget prices and the fact that more people got them. Most stolen phones from the UK will end up in East Europe or Africa where even blocked phones gain new life without any IMEI tricks(which could be and being done as we speak/write) Most thiefs/muggers don't have time reading these forums as they are busy doing drugs. And most of them are not very educated to understand the technical details anyway. So why is it a taboo topic?

Why would anybody want to change their IMEI if they are not criminals? I'm sure ppl heard of the case of some chineese folks having their gmail account hacked... Or people living in Zimbabwe etc.

Ps: I'm very happy with my IMEI and have no intention of changing it or anyone elses and the last time I stole something I was 7 and my Mum beat me very much and I never done it again