On Friday, the iPhone 5 was delivered to thousands upon thousands of Apple fans. And some of them are now better protected by law enforcement than at any other time in the iPhone’s five-year history.
Police in New York are setting up shop around Apple’s various retail locations as well as select AT&T and Verizon stores to offer free registration of iPhone 5 serial numbers. Should the device become lost or stolen, police will have a better chance of returning the device to its rightful owners.
The Gothamist was first to report on the extensive new security measure made possible by the NYPD.
Members of the public are 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.
“The theft of Apple phones and other hand-held devices drove the spike in robberies and larceny this year,” says Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. “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.”
