Increase in iPhone and iPad Thefts Accounts for Rise in New York City Crime Index - MacRumors
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Increase in iPhone and iPad Thefts Accounts for Rise in New York City Crime Index

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iphone passcode lock iconThe New York Times reports that New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg today released crime data for the city as 2012 draws to a close, noting that a slight increase in the overall major crime index for the city can be entirely accounted for by an increase in iPhone and iPad thefts.

As of Monday, the Police Department recorded 3,484 more major crimes in 2012 than for the same period last year. The increase in Apple product thefts: 3,890. [...]

“If you just took away the jump in Apple, we’d be down for the year,” said Marc La Vorgna, the mayor’s press secretary.

Thefts of Apple devices have naturally grown as their popularity has increased, and police in New York and other cities have been working to break up extensive rings of thieves and dealers trading in stolen iPhones and other electronics. Last year it was reported that in some New York City precincts more than half of the robberies in some months involved iPhones.

Today's report also notes that police have been emphasizing efforts to address theft on the city's subways, which are popular locations for gadget thefts due to the crowds and easy getaway opportunities.

Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

ConCat Avatar
ConCat
173 months ago
I wonder how long before Samsung films an ad, mocking iPhone users for exposing themselves to theft.

"Buy our cheap crap! It won't get stolen!"
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joe-Diver Avatar
Joe-Diver
173 months ago
I wonder how long before Samsung films an ad, mocking iPhone users for exposing themselves to theft.

Samsung Execs are scratching their heads, wondering how they can get people to steal the Galaxy S3....and then they can make a commercial about stupid, out of touch thieves stealing the iPhone......
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I
iVoid
173 months ago
So along with 32oz sodas, he's now going to ban Apple products in the city. :) :p
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
Allenbf
173 months ago
So along with 32oz sodas, he's now going to ban Apple products in the city. :) :p

Well by comparison, he would allow you to bring a 16 GB, but not the 32 or 64. But you're also ok to bring 2 of the 16 GB models. :rolleyes:
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
larrybeo
173 months ago
If Only Assault Rifles Were Legal

There is a simple solution to this problem. We need more guns in our inner cities to prevent crime. We need an assault rifle store on every block in Manhattan. That will teach these theives a lesson.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F
foobarbaz
173 months ago
Playing with statistics to make a lame excuse!

The increase in Apple products is due to growth in smartphone numbers and probably offset by decreased number of regular phone thefts.

If Apple hadn't increased, those others wouldn't have gone down as much and the crime number would still be bigger.

This is just some politician trying to give a reasonable sounding explanation why something else caused a problem and he shouldn't be blamed.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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