Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYPD Apple Theft Division Takes A Bite Out Of iCrime
By
Garth Johnston
Published Feb 22, 2013
Modified Feb 22, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Feb 22, 2013
Modified Feb 22, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
iCrime is a serious problem in New York. In 2012 the NYPD reported 3,484 more major crimes than in 2011, boosted by an increase of 3,890 Apple-product thefts. Stolen iPhones and iPads have led to vicious beatings and even deaths! So the NYPD, which has been focusing on iThefts with subway decoys and "Find My Phone" training is upping the ante. Enter Law & Order: Apple Crimes Division.
As the Post points out, iCrime is now such a problem that the NYPD has "a team of cops" assigned to work with Apple just to get the gadgets back—even internationally!
Basically, the Big Apple's Apple cops are focusing on each iDevice's individual tracking numbers (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) which they then pass on to the California computer giant. Once provided with those numbers, Apple then gives the NYPD the device's current location—even if it has been wiped (crooks had already learned to avoid being caught with the company's "Find My Phone" feature by turning off the devices").
And so far the team appears to be doing okay, using the recovered devices to try and stop further theft.
One stolen iPad was tracked to the Dominican Republic and recovered with the help of an NYPD intelligence cop assigned to Santo Domingo. In another case, it busted a man suspected of selling stolen iPads at a city bus stop by tracking them with Apple’s help.
“We staked out the bus stop, ID’d the suspect and arrested him. We recovered the iPad,” said Browne, who noted 74 percent of all stolen Apple devices resurface within the five boroughs. Many of the confiscated devices are bought on the second-hand market by people who don’t know they were stolen.
What sucks for them is that the NYPD can, and apparently does, take those stolen baubles and return them to their original owners. Which is why it is good to be careful about where you buy your expensive electronics from. Bus stops are not Best Buys! Also, be careful with your stuff on the subways, people:
Tagged
apple
icrime
ipad
iphone
itheft
nypd
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .