It's a persistent problem in the nation's capital: snatch and grab robberies of high-end devices like smartphones.

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To combat the crimes, police chiefs from major cities, including MPD Chief Cathy Lanier, are teaming up with wireless carriers. On Tuesday, they announced new initiatives to protect people and their phones.

Wireless carriers will soon launch a new database to prevent use of stolen smart phones, encourage users to lock their phones with passwords and educate users on apps to wipe and/or lock phone remotely.

In D.C., 38 percent of all robberies involve cell phones. Authorities have made hundreds of arrests related to these robberies and several weeks ago busted more than a dozen businesses accused of selling stolen phones and local authorities hope the new initiative will stop these crimes before they start.