Apple Crime Blotter: Stories of Theft, Fraud, and Tracking Success

This week’s Apple Crime Blotter includes everything from stolen cars tracked via AirPods to an iPad saving a child. Here’s a roundup of recent Apple-related incidents making headlines.

Two Texas Men Tracked by AirPods After Car Theft

Police in Southern California arrested two men accused of stealing a Volkswagen Beetle, thanks to a pair of AirPods left in the car. According to KTLA, officers used the AirPods’ signal to track the suspects to a shopping plaza. Both were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and conspiracy to commit a crime.

iPhone Insurance Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Connecticut

A Milford, Connecticut man was charged after allegedly defrauding insurance companies in an iPhone-related scam. Over five years, he and accomplices reportedly bought iPhone insurance and filed false claims, collecting payouts. When police searched his home, they found several iPhones, most of which had never been activated. Patch reports he faces charges of first-degree larceny, conspiracy, and insurance fraud.

AirTag Used in Pennsylvania Stalking Case

A Pennsylvania man was arrested for allegedly using an AirTag to stalk his ex-girlfriend. According to WJAC, the woman discovered the AirTag duct-taped to her car’s wheel well after receiving a notification on her phone. The man faces charges including stalking, harassment, and criminal use of a communication facility.

Child’s iPad Stolen During a Pistons Game

At a Detroit Pistons game, a nonverbal 12-year-old boy had his iPad stolen, leaving his family devastated. The iPad, which is the boy’s primary communication tool, could not be tracked using Find My, as the thief disabled its location services. Fox 2 reports the family has filed a security report, and a nonprofit has stepped in to replace the device.

Doctor’s Apple Watch Theft Claim Denied in India

A doctor in India went viral after claiming his Apple Watch was stolen at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) later denied the claim, producing CCTV footage showing the doctor putting the watch back on his wrist. The Hindu reports that the original viral post has since been deleted.

Stolen iPad Leads to Rescue of Four-Year-Old in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, an SUV with a four-year-old boy inside was stolen, but police were able to recover both the vehicle and the child thanks to an iPad left in the car. According to KYW, the iPad’s location signal led officers just a few blocks away, where they found the child safe and sound.

Car Thieves in Tennessee Tracked via AirTag in Backpack

Two suspects in Tennessee were arrested after stealing a car with a child’s backpack inside, which happened to contain an AirTag. Police followed the AirTag’s signal to Nashville, where the suspects were apprehended. WKRN reports both suspects had extensive criminal histories.

North Carolina Man Throws Stolen MacBook Air in Pool

Police in North Carolina apprehended an 18-year-old accused of stealing a MacBook Air from a car and throwing it into a swimming pool. According to WCTI, authorities tracked the device, recovered it from the pool, and returned it to its owner. The suspect faces multiple charges, including felony breaking and entering, larceny, and property damage.