People Stealing More Apples in NYC

Yes, it is true Apple theft is up more than 40 percent this year in the Big Apple that is products made by Apple such as iPhones, iPads, etc.  In the time period between January 1 and September 23, 2012, a total of 11,447 of stolen mobile Apple products were reported to NYPD which is a rise of over 3,000 from the same time period in 2011.

Oddly though, CBS news reports, that right before the release of the release of the iPhone 5, these thefts suddenly stopped.  Could it be that thieves don't want the old stuff when the new technology will be ripe for theft in a day or two?  An NYPD Official was quoted as saying "what we are seeing on the part of the crooks is that they follow the trends of the buying public".  Well, it is sort of good to know that our iPhone 4's are safer than the iPhone 5's of those rich enough and lucky enough to get them.  

What is an Apple customer to do about all this?  Well the NYPD has started a new project called "Operation ID".  Apple users can bring their mobile devices to any NY City Apple store in addition to several Verizon and AT&T stores.  A police officer stationed at the store will register the serial number of your device with your name and contact information.  You can also get these devices engraved with a unique serial number that's makes them easier to identify if lost or stolen.  As of October 5, 2012, NYPD registered 1,500 iPhone 5 phones and various other versions of the iPhone.  Apple also has a "find my iPhone" app that will track down missing phones and as part of the "Operation ID" program NYPD has been giving out information as to how to install this.  Our tech savvy NYPD has had iCloud enabled iPhones in use to track down stolen phones and make arrests.

 

If you are reading this and feel that your iPhone is safe because you are not in NYC, don't because it has been reported that "Just about every major city across the country has the same exact crime dynamic.  Those gadgets are valuable, as a result drive crime trend" said Chicago Police Chief Garry McCarthy.  

We are not just a law firm that does excellent criminal defense work, we also are anxious to report good crime prevention information to our readers.  If you own one of these Apple devices here in NYC, it might be wise to take the NYPD and Apple up on their offer.  Also get the app, it's free.