A fairly disturbing statistic made its way out of the New York City Police Department today and it concerns the theft of iDevices. According to a police source, theft of Apple products accounts for a staggering 14 percent of all major crimes committed within city limits. This statistic was measured between January 1st, 2012 to September 23rd, 2012. What makes this more depressing is the fact that this statistic is up at least 40 percent from its standings last year.
A NYPD Spokesman stated the following concerning the latest crime spike;
“The increase in incidents involving the theft of Apple products exceeded the increase in overall crime incidents of crime by 265. As if to mirror the market place, thefts of Apple products increased this year as the theft of electronics by other manufacturers decreased.”
On a side note, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly spoke the following concerning the rising numbers in a recent Facebook posting;
“The theft of Apple phones and other hand-held devices drove the spike in robberies and larceny this year. Individuals alert to their surroundings are less likely to become victims, and Operation ID will help those whose property is lost or stolen to get it back.”
This sudden burst in theft has caused the local police force to enact new policies to better protect Apple consumers. The “Anti Apple Picking Campaign,” allows customers to sign up their device I.D.’s with their local precinct, which will then use the safeguarded information to prevent the “resale” of a stolen Apple product. This will also allow police to more easily identify a lifted product, so that they can act faster when recovering stolen goods. This program had a slew of police forces scouring the crowds at the recent iPhone 5 release in NYC, in order to help consumers sign up for the free service.
It is unclear if these recent events will cause consumers to question buying an iPhone 5. But with a decrease in theft for other products, it may cause individuals who live in crime populated areas to flock to rival companies for the sake of their safety.
