Recently it has occured to me that people are careless. And this leaves pants with wallets and personal electronics out in the open. With NO risk to criminal they could walk away with multiple env's and cash. Would one worry about tracking devices and such? Also how would one clear data to sell cell phones? Would it be required to take battery out untill safe? Just teaching people to appreciate their belongings.

I would just take their money (and an ipod if I don't already have one).

Cell phones - Master Reset. Or manually delete the stuff. Or if you want, find their contact for "Home", most cell phones have it. Wait about a week, phone them at that number saying you bought it at a garage sale for $30 or so and that you'd be willing to give it back if they reimburse you... most will.

The only thing about the calling home part though is that some people will just cancel the phone's service if they know their phone has been stolen. My brother got his phone stolen once and that's what he did. But even if it is canceled, you can still sell it. So both ways you win!

I've done this about 10 times, and 8 times it worked.

Only these are phones I found on the street, or that my friends "found" and asked me to look at.

Good idea. Someone might actually try that one.
*Mentioned criminal usually does just take cash, but is now curious about extra profit.
Need more info about those minor setbacks*tracking stuff.
This happens tommorow morning.
Thanks

Damn, where do you live? I haven't ever seen a phone on the streets. Ever.

A brand new LGcell phone that flips out like a keyboard. How does person clear data, and how much should it sell for?
Also got 130$ college calculator.
Pretty good day.

Which one?.

Basic : Menu --> Settings --> Security --> Master Reset (warning : can potential make you need to reprogram the phone). Master Clear may work better...

And put it on kijiji/craigslist for "best offer". You can get around $60-$80 I'd think, if not a bit more out of it.