Thieves Target Apple Retail Store Customers

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

manhattan beach apple store

Apple’s products are developing a reputation as high value items, and as such are becoming targets for thieves hoping to flog them on the black market. The LA Times is reporting that police are noticing a definite pattern developing around Apple stores in the area. The Manhattan Beach Apple store, among others, was targeted, with many customers being followed out of the store and into the parking lot, and to the next spot where they parked their car. When the unsuspecting customer parked their car, it was broken into and relieved off all things Apple inside. Three people were arrested recently, having been caught using this modus operandi. Police successfully used a bait computer/car to snag the bad guys.

California’s economy is precarious at best, and as more people find themselves out of work, unfortunately some will resort to desperate measures. Others are gang members, interested in participating in group criminal activity. Whatever the motivation behind it, Apple customers, indeed all customers purchasing high value items, will have to increase their vigilance and general street smarts. And this will not be limited to California. These follow-out types of crimes have also been reported around Best Buy in other states, and one wonders, perhaps Microsoft stores soon?

Comments on this story emphasize the need for customers to disguise their purchases in random bags, perhaps bringing your own backpack or a bag from Walmart to carry your iMac to your car. Another comment exhorts customers to forgo the retail experience and just order online, and have the product shipped directly to your door, no fuss, no muss. This is a sad commentary on the hard times our world is facing. This is not the time to be flaunting anything valuable, including laptops and iPhones. Be careful out there!

This is an Apple retail store customers targeted by thieves article by The Apps Machine.