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iPod Thefts Don't Surprise New Yorkers


By

Jen Chung

Published Mar 30, 2005

Modified Mar 7, 2008


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By

Jen Chung

Published Mar 30, 2005

Modified Mar 7, 2008


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2005_03_irob.jpgThe NYPD's news that iPods may be prompting a rise in subway crime gave the media a great way to sensationalize the darling MP3 player. For instance, ABC 7 had this cute graphic (right) and this catchy opening:

If the crime had a name, it would be called 'iRob'- subway riding-thieves targeting people listening to music on their iPod. When the time is right, the thief snatches the device and hops off the train just before the doors close.

But, as with many things, iPod users aren't that surprised and seem to be trucking along: One rider explains her nonchalance to the NY Times by saying, "It was a concern when I first got it. But I live in Williamsburg, and on the L train everybody has one." So along with funky glasses and exquisitely weathered denim, iPods seem to be standard issue in Williamsburg! Not only do we like the comparison of iPods to 8-ball jackets, which were stolen during many early 90s thefts, Gothamist liked one of the reader comments from yesterday's post and now we wonder the same: When are the iPod decoys coming? Or the headphones that look like hair extensions?

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The NYPD

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Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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