Subway riders subject to iPhone thefts
The WSJ's Andrew Grossman reports (subscription required) that New York City's subway riders may be a bit too openhanded with their digital devices. According to NYPD statistics, grand larceny* incidents on the subway were up 18 percent year-over-year from January to March of 2011 (311 reports in total). Transit police brass attribute the spike in pilferage to increased theft of smartphones, and of course, the most popular choice for thieves is the iPhone 4.
The article quotes NYPD transit chief Raymond Diaz on the increase: "We've been seeing an incredible trend of young people snatching these cellphones." Diaz also noted that thefts are likelier during the evening rush hour, and that several train lines (Manhattan's Lexington Avenue lines, Brooklyn's J and L trains, and Queens' M, R and 7 lines) seem to be 'hot spots' for thefts. The city's commuter rail lines have also seen a mild spike in thefts.
While subway crime in New York remains at an extremely low level compared to historical norms, there are a few tips that Chief Diaz suggests to keep that ride trouble-free. Don't stand near the train doors while using your phone since that would streamline a thief's getaway; be sure to record your iPhone and iPad serial number in your personal records; and, of course, if you have Find My iPhone turned on, you might even get your device back.
Police efforts to track down phone-grabbing perps meet with some success; they make arrests in 30 percent of incidents of phones being swiped from owners' hands, and in 56 percent of incidents where force was used in a phone robbery.
* While the New York State legal definition of 'grand larceny' is generally perceived to cover property worth $1,000 or more (which is pricier than an iPhone or iPad, unless it's in a very nice case), the definition also applies to about 12 other conditions (i.e., if the theft involves secret scientific formulas, credit cards, cars, guns, religious items, phone phreaking gear or ammonia for making meth), including when the property in question is taken directly from the person who owns it, rather than stolen from an apartment or office when the owner is not present. These subway thefts match that part of the grand larceny law, making them a class E felony. Thanks to our friend in the NYC district attorney's office for clarifying the rules.
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The WSJ's Andrew Grossman reports (subscription required) that New York City's subway riders may be a bit too openhanded with their...
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I actually had my iPhone 3G snatched in 2009 on the 6 train. Not a fun experience. I make sure I have a rubber case that I can hold my phone tight with now.
April 25 2011 at 11:12 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHave better situation awareness. Seriously. Also, don't feel so special, people have been getting robbed on trains for years.
April 23 2011 at 2:59 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe Lexington Avenue lines have less police coverage than the Broadway lines. On days of Yankee games that line becomes a pickpocket's wet dream! It's nut to butt all the way through Manhattan until the Bronx. Also you are more likely to report a stolen iOS device than a $7.99 Coby MP3 player.
April 23 2011 at 12:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYes, but does 'Find My iPhone' work if the burglar turns it off??
Read the suggestion above to lock out changes to the account settings. Also take advantage of the free training Apple offers when you buy these devices. They will help you set it up.
April 23 2011 at 12:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI use my iPhone and iPad on the R line all the time. (Usually I'm reading something.) I just hold it in a way that's a little more difficult to grab and pay attention to the people around me. I haven't had any problems.
Although I have had a few strangers on the train ask me if I'm worried about getting mugged. :-) I'm not sure what that says.
I am surprised you can get reception on the NYC subway as you can't on London underground, mind you l've been to NYC and it's a really safe city so no it's not slipping back to the 1980's and actually it was the 1970's which were just as bad.
people on phones can get so lost in their own world you need to be aware of your surroundings, my advice keep the phone away until you leave the subway especially at night.
There isn't any reception, but with the proliferation of games, books, and just sifting through your music, you don't need it. People will still just stare at their phones with headphones on. Like someone said above, just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.
April 23 2011 at 8:45 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIn general you can't get phone reception on the subways, except on elevated portions.
April 24 2011 at 9:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIs this really news to anyone? I remember when the iPods first came out there was a theft problem too. You could spot an iPod user from a mile away with those white headphones...
April 22 2011 at 8:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMan. NYC subways really suck along with America. I've been visiting Hong Kong for a few days and everyone is on their iPhones or other devices with no worry about it being stolen from them. America is getting pathetic. Seriously.
April 22 2011 at 6:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt isn't just the US, there are problems in other countries too (UK, some European countries) and I'm sure that if I was visiting India (I am Indian) or Pakistan, I would leave my iPhone at home and just take a cheap Nokia with me.
April 22 2011 at 8:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIf you're blithely riding the tube goofing around on your iPhone oblivious to anything going on around you, you deserve to have it nicked.
April 22 2011 at 6:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNobody deserves to have their property stolen by a useless slug that's too lazy to go out and do some honest work.
April 22 2011 at 7:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWait... let me get this straight. iPhones and iPads have been added to the grand larceny category... why??
"12 other conditions (i.e. if the theft involves secret scientific formulas, credit cards, cars, guns, religious items, phone phreaking gear, or ammonia for making meth)"
Oh I get it, the cult following, it is religious item. Gotcha!
Or, if you read on past the parenthetical, whenever the property is stolen directly from the person who owns it.
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