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NYPD registering devices at Apple stores on iPhone 5 launch day

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The New York Police Department is on-hand at Apple's retail locations in the Big Apple on Friday to help customers register their electronics in order to potentially recover them in the event of a theft.


NYPD sign up customers at Apple's Fifth Ave store Friday. Photo via Gothamist.

The NYPD's "Anti-Apple Picking Campaign" is part of the NYPD's Operation ID, a free service in which offers registers the serial number of valuable portable electronics along with the owner's name and contact information. Friday the police department made a major push, as highlighted by Gothamist, to get users registered on the launch date of the iPhone 5.

"The theft of Apple phones and other handheld devices drove the spike in robberies and larceny this year," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. "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."

Members of the public can bring any of their portable electronic devices, even if it is not an iPhone, to the NYPD personnel that are stationed at all Apple retail stores on Friday. The NYPD also has officers using iPhones with iCloud and Find My iPhone which can help users relocate their iPhone in the event that it is lost or stolen.

Those upgrading to the iPhone 5 can also check out AppleInsider's breakdown of trade-in offers for previous-generation iPhones. A number of online providers offer cash in return for a used iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, or iPhone 4S, making the cost of the new iPhone 5 easier to afford.

24 Comments

techno 21 Years · 737 comments

And don't you worry, there will be no privacy issues with the police having this info. That goes to all of you hippy "occupy" scumbags. Just bring in your phones and we will protect you. Don't worry.

quadra 610 17 Years · 6687 comments

Samsung can't stand seeing these lines. 

maccentric 20 Years · 262 comments

You can also bring your sugary beverages in to have them inspected to ensure they will be in compliance with the mayor's wishes.

massconn72 15 Years · 162 comments

I have been in and out of the city on a fairly regular basis over the last 4-5 years, and let me tell you, the NYPD are some of the nicest men and women I have ever met on a police force. I am sure there are some bad ones as in any organization, but they are truly amazing.

Commissioner Ray Kelly should be very proud of his police force.

td912 14 Years · 25 comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by techno 

And don't you worry, there will be no privacy issues with the police having this info. That goes to all of you hippy "occupy" scumbags. Just bring in your phones and we will protect you. Don't worry.

...and the first post is trollbait.