Apple products are not on the cheap end of electronics, so it makes perfect sense that they're a big target when it comes to theft. Both iPhones and iPads are small and portable enough that potential criminals could easily slip away unnoticed with them.
These sorts of crimes are becoming such a problem in New York City, that the New York Post is reporting that the NYPD us setting up a new unit dedicated to handling Apple products. The task force will be focused on iPhone and iPad theft, working with Apple to track down the thieves responsible.
The NYPD will first ascertain the International Mobile Station Equipment Identity numbers that are unique to each "iDevice," then look to Apple for help in tracking down the gadget's specific location.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne told The Post, "We're looking for ways to find individuals who have stolen Apple products and return the products to their original owners. It is being done to learn the pattern who is stealing."
Browne also remarked that most of the stolen merchandise stays local to the area, noting that, "Seventy-four percent of all stolen Apple devices resurface within the five boroughs." Unfortunately, many of the recovered devices were purchased on the second-hand market by people who weren't aware it was stolen property.
In addition to petty theft, the task force hopes to crack down on criminal rings that deal in the large scale distribution of stolen devices.
In the past, Apple has kept a "hands-off" policy when it came to tracking down stolen devices, perhaps in an effort to keep user data private. This new development then must indicate a significantly worsening situation in New York. Hopefully a combination of the NYPD's increased efforts and Apple's cooperation will help to curb the level of thefts in the city.
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