Indianapolis police arrest 24 following cellphones thefts

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Police in Indianapolis say they've arrested 24 people following a string of robberies in the city where cellphones were taken.

The police department said in announcing the arrests that the group of suspects faces a total of 31 felony charges and 11 misdemeanors. The investigation is ongoing.

Word of the arrests comes after police officials, the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and the Indianapolis mayor's office met Wednesday to discuss efforts to curb cellphone thefts. They were joined by others including security teams from cellphone providers Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and MetroPCS.

Officials say cellphone businesses are working to strengthen security measures to discourage theft and are committed to working with law enforcement on investigations.