Helps Recover Lost Or Stolen Devices
In conjunction with the launch of the new Apple iPhone 5 last Friday, Sept. 21, the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau conducted its “Operation ID” at all Apple retail stores as well as at cellular carriers throughout the five boroughs.
“The theft of Apple phones and other hand-held devices drove the spike in robberies and larceny this year. Individuals alert to their surroundings are less likely to become victims, and Operation ID will help those whose property is lost or stolen to get it back,” said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.
Twenty-one stores were covered, including six Apple stores in the city, as well as seven Verizon and eight AT&T stores.
Operation ID is provided to the public at no cost. Officers register the serial number of valuable portable electronics along with the owner’s name and contact information. Items can also be engraved with a uniquely identifiable serial number prefaced with the letters “N.Y.C.”
The program enables police to trace stolen property in the possession of a thief to its rightful owner, or identify found property and return it to the rightful owner.
Members of the public were invited to bring their portable electronic devices to NYPD personnel stationed at any Apple retail store, and the other locations, to register their devices.
Such valuables may also be registered at any time through the crime prevention officer at any police station.
Earlier this year the NYPD deployed patrol officers with “iCloud”- equipped iPhones to help locate stolen iPhones and apprehend those responsible for the thefts. In addition, officers using their personal phones have utilized iCloud technology to recover stolen Apple products, and to make arrests.
Literature provided to the public during the registration drives Friday instructed new iPhone owners how to install and activate “Find My iPhone” technology that is useful in recovering lost or stolen iPhones.
