Apple Crime Log: High-Tech Tracking, Low-Life Crooks, and World Cup Drama
Michael Förtsch
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In this week’s edition of the iDrop News Apple Crime Log, a Brooklyn crook takes an iPad from kids, a Flock camera actually comes in handy, and a World Cup broadcaster gets his MacBook st-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-len!
Jersey Shore Man Loses His iPhone Due to ‘Disturbance’
A Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, man has reported that both his iPhone and a Rolex had been stolen from him during a “disturbance.”
Troopers from the Montoursville Patrol Unit responded to a disturbance they classified as “theft from person — no force,” on North State Route 44 in Watson Township at approximately 1:35 a.m. on June 11.
Investigators said they had a conversation with a 26-year-old man from Jersey Shore who reported that an Apple iPhone valued at approximately $500 and a Rolex watch valued at $30,000 had been stolen.
A 2013 silver Chevrolet Silverado was also listed as being involved in the incident.
While no suspects have yet been identified, state police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Crooks Take iPad from Children’s Aid
To be filed under “Yes, People Really Are That Evil,” an “unidentified person” entered a Children’s Aid Society building in the Bronx on May 31, stealing an iPad and a laptop.
News 12 Brooklyn reports the NYPD is “looking to identify someone they say is wanted” in the burglary.
Police say an unidentified person entered the Bronx Family Services Center at 958 East 176th St. by forcefully entering the side door on May 31. Once inside the building, the individual grabbed a laptop and iPad before running away.
Anyone with information is urged to notify police.
Korean Broadcaster’s MacBook St-o-o-o-len!
Kim Hwan, a South Korean broadcaster who was in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the local broadcast of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, when he posted on Instagram that his bag, containing his MacBook, was stolen from a hotel lobby, and that the computer contained “broadcasting materials.”
According to Asia Business Daily, Kim said on Instagram that his bag, containing his MacBook, was stolen from a hotel lobby, and that the computer contained “broadcasting materials.”
Kim was able to recover his stolen goods, by tracking the computer, first to a Walmart and then to the vacant lot behind it, where he found both the MacBook and an iPad. He believes that the thief “became aware of the tracking and abandoned the devices before fleeing.”
Unfortunately for Kim, the other stolen items — including cash, a credit card, and his ID — have not been recovered.
Stolen iPad Leads Cops to Wanted Federal Bank Robber
Pro crook tip of the day: If you’re wanted for bank robbery by the feds, don’t steal an Apple device that can be tracked!
An iPad stolen from a victim’s car was tracked by police, leading to the arrest of a man with several outstanding warrants, including one for federal bank robbery, reports Woodlands Online.
Earlier this month, a victim in Harris County, Texas, reported the theft of items from their car, including a stolen iPad, which was later traced to a specific address in Montgomery County.
Deputies investigated, and found a vehicle parked at the residence, which Flock traffic cameras had spotted near the scene of a Harris County burglary.
When police entered the residence, they found a man identified as Michael Austin, who had multiple outstanding warrants, including a federal bank robbery warrant out of Illinois, a felony pardon and parole warrant, and a felony family violence warrant from Harris County.
Austin was arrested without incident.
“This is a great example of how technology and investigations work together to protect our community,” said Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden. “Flock cameras helped give deputies important information, which helped lead to the recovery of stolen property and the arrest of a wanted person.”
Sorry, “Rowdy,” we’re still not comfortable with your Flockin’ tracking cameras everywhere.
