What is Apple Picking?

What is Apple Picking?

By Presidio Field CISO Dave Trader

Is your Executive Team safe and aware of this? As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily routine. These devices not only provide us with a means of communication but also serve as storage for personal information, sensitive data, and financial details. However, the increase in the use of smartphones has led to an increase in thefts of these devices, commonly known as "Apple Picking." This white paper aims to explore this growing phenomenon and its implications in large cities around the globe.

What is Apple Picking?

Apple Picking is a term used to describe the theft of smartphones, particularly Apple iPhones, in public spaces. The crime involves snatching or stealing these devices from unsuspecting users, often through violent means. The name "Apple Picking" comes from the popularity of Apple iPhones, which are often targeted due to their high resale value.

Apple Picking is a prevalent problem in large cities worldwide, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as train stations, subways, and busy shopping districts. The perpetrators of these crimes are often organized gangs, who target busy areas where they can easily blend in and identify potential victims.

The Impact of Apple Picking

The impact of Apple Picking extends beyond the loss of the device itself. When a smartphone is stolen, the owner loses access to personal information, sensitive data, and financial details that may be stored on the device. This can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybersecurity risks. In addition, the loss of a smartphone can also lead to a significant financial burden, as these devices are expensive to replace.

Moreover, the violent nature of these crimes can have a significant impact on victims, causing emotional trauma and physical harm. Victims may also suffer from a loss of confidence and may feel less safe in public spaces, leading to a decrease in quality of life.

The Global Trend of Apple Picking

Apple Picking is a global trend that affects large cities worldwide. According to a report by Consumer Reports, smartphone thefts accounted for approximately 34% of all thefts in major cities worldwide. In the United States, the FBI reported that thefts of smartphones, including Apple iPhones, accounted for approximately 12% of all property crimes in 2019.

In London, England, Apple Picking is a significant problem, with reports of more than 300 phones being stolen every day. The situation is similar in Paris, France, where authorities estimate that up to 60% of all street robberies involve the theft of smartphones. In Asia, cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Beijing have also reported a high incidence of smartphone thefts.

Preventing Apple Picking

The prevention of Apple Picking requires a multi-faceted approach involving the efforts of law enforcement, smartphone manufacturers, and individual smartphone users.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement plays a critical role in preventing Apple Picking. Police departments can increase their presence in high-risk areas, such as train stations, subways, and busy shopping districts. They can also use CCTV cameras and other surveillance methods to deter potential thieves and identify suspects.

In addition, police departments can work with smartphone manufacturers to develop technology that can help locate stolen devices. For example, Apple's "Find My" feature allows users to track and remotely wipe their devices if they are lost or stolen. Law enforcement can use this technology to help recover stolen devices and identify perpetrators.

Smartphone Manufacturers

Smartphone manufacturers can also play a significant role in preventing Apple Picking. They can develop technology that makes it more difficult for thieves to resell stolen devices. For example, Apple has implemented measures to make it more challenging for thieves to unlock stolen devices by requiring biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint or face recognition.

Smartphone manufacturers can also work with law enforcement to develop technology that can help locate stolen devices.

Individual Smartphone Users

Individual smartphone users can take steps to prevent Apple Picking and protect their devices. Some of these steps include:

1. Being aware of surroundings: Users should be aware of their surroundings and avoid using their phones in crowded public places where they can be easily distracted and targeted by thieves.

2. Avoiding leaving phones unattended: Users should avoid leaving their phones unattended, even for a short period, as it can give thieves an opportunity to steal the device.

3. Using passcodes or biometric authentication: Users should use passcodes or biometric authentication to protect their devices from unauthorized access if they fall into the wrong hands.

4. Backing up data: Users should regularly back up their data to avoid losing important information if their phone is lost or stolen.

In conclusion, Apple Picking is a growing problem in large cities worldwide, with thieves targeting smartphones, particularly Apple iPhones, for their high resale value. The impact of Apple Picking extends beyond the loss of the device itself, with victims at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, emotional trauma, and physical harm. Preventing Apple Picking requires a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, smartphone manufacturers, and individual smartphone users. By working together, we can reduce the incidence of Apple Picking and create safer public spaces for everyone.