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

Friday December 28, 2012 9:36 am PST by Eric Slivka

The 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.

Top Rated Comments

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ConCat

25 weeks 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!"

Rating: 36 Positives

Joe-Diver

25 weeks 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......

Rating: 34 Positives

iVoid

25 weeks ago

So along with 32oz sodas, he's now going to ban Apple products in the city. :) :p

Rating: 32 Positives

Allenbf

25 weeks 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:

Rating: 31 Positives

larrybeo

25 weeks ago

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.

Rating: 26 Positives

foobarbaz

25 weeks 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.

Rating: 21 Positives

Caliber26

25 weeks ago

I wonder how long before Samsung films an ad, mocking iPhone users for exposing themselves to theft.

Rating: 12 Positives

Tiger8

25 weeks ago

Reason #56789290787 why I'd never live in that overcrowded rats nest.

NYC called and expressed its sincere regret that you would not approve of it. It is begging you to reconsider, the city is nothing with you!

Rating: 12 Positives

Jaro65

25 weeks ago

When I worked in Saudi Arabia, I noticed how store vendors didn't mind placing small items right by the door. You won't see that here in the US, as it would be easy to walk in, grab, and run. Of course, if you were to do that in Saudi Arabia, you lose your hand. As a result, theft is not something one is generally concerned with. Perhaps if we instituted meaningful penalties for theft, we would also not need to worry about pulling out our iPads and iPhones in the public?

Rating: 11 Positives

Allenbf

25 weeks ago

Welcome to the Big Apple.

Rating: 11 Positives

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