A London pastor, Apostle Isaac Anderson, faced a shocking moment during a Facebook Live sermon when two cyclists stole his iPhone 16 Pro Max. The theft happened while he walked down a city street, streaming his message to followers.
One thief shouted, “He’s on TikTok Live, bro… how do I end it?” before the video abruptly ended. The clip quickly went viral, drawing sympathy and outrage online. Reports indicate that over 70,000 phones were stolen across London in 2024. Police continue to investigate, but no arrests have been made yet.
Global Surge in Apple Device Thefts
Apple device thefts are becoming more frequent across several countries. In Canada, a Winnipeg police constable admitted stealing an iPad and iPhone from an evidence locker. Investigators traced both items back to him, leading to his guilty plea and suspension.
In Virginia, a FedEx courier confessed to taking nine iPhone 17 units from his delivery route and selling them on Facebook Marketplace. Surveillance footage captured him removing packages from his truck, resulting in his arrest for grand theft.
Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
In New Jersey, a thief used stolen credit cards to attempt a $1,400 Apple Store purchase. The victim’s quick action stopped the transaction. Meanwhile, in the UK, an AirTag helped a motorcyclist locate his stolen bike inside a thief’s home.
To prevent misuse of such technology, Florida introduced a new law that penalizes criminals who use trackers like AirTags for stalking or robbery. Offenders now face up to 15 years in prison.
Apple Devices Remain Prime Targets
In California, three suspects were caught after activating stolen iPhones, which alerted the owner and police. In India, authorities arrested a truck driver who stole three iPhones from a shipment bound for Dubai.
These incidents highlight how Apple’s global success has also made its products prime targets for theft and fraud worldwide.
