iPhone fuels crime in New York City

Apple's mobile devices cause spike in New York City crime rate

Apple's iPhone is creating buzz for reasons other than its ultra-thin hardware and expertly designed operating system; crime. Yep, that's right, Apple's mobile devices are so damn coveted that they've become a seriously scary hit with thieves.

According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple products have helped fuel New York City's overall crime rate in 2012 is expected to increase for the first time in two decades.
Theft of personal electronic devices including Apple's iPhone was up a substantial amount at nine percent, while overall crime reflected an increase of three percent. NYPD spokesman Paul Browne told the Journal that without the spike in Apple thefts the city actually would have seen a "slight decline" in crime citywide. From the report:

"Overall crime in the five boroughs is up 3% so far this year, driven by the thefts of Apple products, Paul Browne, the department's top spokesman, confirmed. If Apple thefts had remained the same, "we would be experiencing a slight decline in crime citywide," Mr. Browne said. The number of shooting incidents so far this year has fallen 8.5%, and the number of shooting victims has dropped 10.2%."

NYC isn't the only place where iPhone crime is a thing, though (at least one iPhone robbery in Chicago resulted in a bystander's death). Nor is the iPhone Apple's only product causing sticky fingers; the iPad and iPad mini have proven just as appealing. Bottom line: If you own a new iPhone 5, watch your back.