Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Cops Catch Another iThief With Find My Phone
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jan 27, 2012
Modified Jan 27, 2012
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 Jan 27, 2012
Modified Jan 27, 2012
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
iPhones are super-popular with consumers and thieves, so it's nice to know that not all iThefts include bloodshed. Some actually include happy endings—especially thanks to Apple's built-in tracking software. In the latest "Find My Phone" success story, a 24-year-old woman helped by a clever officer in midtown was able to get hers back within hours.
The tech-adventure started around 7 p.m. in a handbag store near 57th Street and Sixth Avenue when a man with a handgun entered and quickly fled after taking the victim's iPhone. Police almost immediately canvassed the area but found zip. And then officer Robert Garland got a bright idea, pulled out his iPhone, logged into the victim's iTunes account and picked up the scent of her missing phone.
Officers then quickly ran down to 49th Street and Eighth Avenue. "As they searched the area, the suspect, who the police said had placed the phone in his boot, walked past the officers. The victim’s phone began to beep. And, soon, the suspect was placed under arrest."
According to police, 40-year-old George Bradshaw of Brooklyn has been charged with robbery. See? Happy ending.
Tagged
apple
find my phone
iphone
itheft
manhattan
nypd
thieves
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani names re-entry specialist as chair of Rikers oversight board
Christopher Watler will help the department that a federal monitor says remains in crisis.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 6, 2026 at 3:52 p.m. ET
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
News
NYC weighs expanding upstate reservoir following drought
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating options to increase water storage, including expanding a reservoir in New York City.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Legionella found in Staten Island building's water system after 2 positive cases
By
Catalina Gonella
Legal 'loophole' helps NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman raise millions
By
Jon Campbell
Police identify 2 men wanted for stabbing an off-duty NYPD officer
By
Ben Feuerherd
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 .