Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced a plan Thursday to deter mobile device theft.

“Too many Northeastern Ohioans have been targeted for crime, just because of the phone in their pocket or purse,” Brown said. “With so much of this criminal activity fueled by the black market, this legislation will crack down on cell phone theft and impose severe consequences on thieves who will think twice before trying to make a quick buck.”

Brown is co-sponsoring the Mobile Device Theft Deterrence Act.