US, UK Law Enforcement Record Slew of Apple-related Crime in November

John Lopez, Tech Times 18 December 2022, 12:12 pm

Theft is one of the most typical ways iPhones and other devices are used in criminal activities. Because iPhones are precious and portable, they are appealing targets for thieves. According to an Apple Insider report, a wave of iPhone-related crimes has occurred in the United States and the United Kingdom in recent weeks.

US Apple-related Crimes

Gold Cadillac Mugger

Two individuals have been charged in connection with an armed robbery at an Apple Store in Bethesda, Maryland. According to reports, one of the suspects arrived at the store in a gold Cadillac, pulled out a semiautomatic handgun, and demanded specific merchandise.

The male accomplice fled with the stolen items in the Cadillac and was arrested the following month when police spotted the distinctive car. Both suspects have been charged with armed robbery. It is unclear what led to the suspects being identified or if the stolen merchandise has been recovered.

UPS Apple Thief

A UPS employee in Texas has been arrested on charges of theft after packages containing iPhones were found in his possession during a traffic stop. The man was pulled over for speeding and expired license plates, and during the stop, police also found an unlawful handgun and marijuana in his vehicle. ABC13 reports that the man was wearing his UPS uniform at the time of his arrest. It is unclear how the packages came into the man's possession or what happened to the stolen iPhones.

False 'Find My iPhone' Ping Leads to Lawsuit

A 77-year-old woman in Colorado has filed a lawsuit against a police detective over a SWAT raid on her home, which the woman claims was based on a false Find My iPhone ping.

A report from NBCNews tells us that the suit alleges that the police were searching for a cache of stolen items, including guns, cash, and an iPhone, and that the Find My iPhone feature "is not intended as a law enforcement tool."

Stolen iPad Leads to Arrest

Two men in the San Antonio area suspected of breaking into more than 20 cars were arrested after they left an iPad in a truck that had been stolen, one of two trucks that had been taken in a single day. According to reports, police used the iPad to track down the suspects and make the arrest. It is unclear what charges the suspects face concerning the break-ins and thefts.

The UK Authorities Record Apple-related Crimes

Big-time Apple Robbery

Five male suspects entered an Apple Store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in the U.K. and stole 15,000 pounds ($18,200) worth of iPhones. The suspects reportedly assaulted a security guard during the theft, which took place in the middle of the day on Nov. 28. No further details about the suspects or the circumstances of the theft have been released.

UK Man Gets Trapped in Store

DailyMail reports that a man in the U.K. was caught attempting to steal two iPhones from a store in Yorkshire but was forced to return the phones when he could not open the store's front door. The store owner reportedly took pity on the man struggling to make ends meet during the current cost-of-living crisis. It is unclear what actions the store took in response to the attempted theft.

iPhones can be both used to commission crimes and to prevent or solve crimes. It is important for iPhone users to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect their devices, such as using strong passwords and enabling security features like "Find My iPhone."

At the same time, it is also important for law enforcement and the broader community to utilize the capabilities of smartphones to prevent and solve crimes and keep communities safe.

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