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S.F. Police Commission highlights surge in iPhone robberies, presses carriers and manufacturers on 'bricking'
Summary
The San Francisco Police Commission on March 13 heard SFPD data showing a rise in robberies for cell phones and discussed technical fixes, including carrier-level blacklisting and a manufacturer-led "bricking" standard that officials said could reduce the devices' resale value.
The San Francisco Police Commission heard a detailed presentation March 13 on a recent rise in robberies targeting smartphones and explored technical and enforcement responses aimed at reducing the secondary market for stolen devices.
Captain Joe McFadden of the SFPD's Major Crimes Unit told commissioners that in recent months the department has seen hundreds of electronic-device thefts, with many iPhones resold within 20 to 25 minutes of being stolen. "These guys have gone around and they were responsible for numerous robberies regarding these iPhones," McFadden said, summarizing patterns his unit has traced to areas south of Market.
Why it matters: Commissioners said thefts of high-value devices are producing violent robberies…
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