Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?

Julia Hartmann | Jun 17, 2012 6:00 pm | 6 comments | 5786 reads

Recently there has been a dramatic increase in reports of iPhones being stolen in Beijing. Often this happens on the subway, but we have also been told of people being robbed of their Apple devices at knife point on the street and even while bicycling.

So basically, don’t consider your iPhone safe while out and about, no matter what your mode of transport may be.

We’ve had a look at ways to stay safe:

  • Before entering a subway station, put your iPhone away into a zip-able pocket or bag.
  • Don’t flaunt it. Make sure it isn’t visibly sticking out of your pocket or similar.
  • Camouflage! We are unsure about the effectiveness of these methods, but there sure are some very entertaining options out there.
  • Or equip your iPhone to help you protect yourself with a pepper spray case. (Scroll down on the page)
  • Watch out – suit trouser pockets and tote bags without zippers or clasps are easy targets.
  • If you have a jailbroken iPhone – download the app iGotYa – it will take pictures of either your thief or whoever bought it from the thief, when they try to unlock it.
  • Follow these useful instructions on downloading an app that will find your iPhone after it has been stolen and allows you to send the thief message and make an alarm sound go off.
  • Back up your phone regularly if you store important contact or calendar information on it.

It seems the police have also become aware of the gravity of the issue at hand and have apparently started a crackdown and have already arrested 332 people.

So, keep checking on checking that pocket of yours and stay safe.

Photos: wisepreneur.com, xaxor.com, youbentmywookie.com

Comments

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Re: Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?
Posted Jul 4, 2012 11:47am by scion
ladymarmalade wrote:
Lately I've been noticing this creeping dread I didn't used to have. Will I get mugged? Am I illegal? Is it safe to be in this bar even though I don't work for US embassy? I think this was why I left my home country originally. Now I'm going to have to leave China. Thanks Beijinger. Next stop Lilliput.

Good, get out!

Re: Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?
Posted Jun 19, 2012 11:01am by lucreziab

The lack of education is a huge problem here. The level of education is not that great here in Beijing and even lower in other provinces. This leads to people coming to Beijing and being able to find good jobs which leads to some resorting to crime. Also the lack of education leads people to be easily snowed by the powers that be to be anti-Japanese, foreigner , etc.

Re: Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?
Posted Jun 18, 2012 9:50pm by ladymarmalade

Lately I've been noticing this creeping dread I didn't used to have. Will I get mugged? Am I illegal? Is it safe to be in this bar even though I don't work for US embassy? I think this was why I left my home country originally. Now I'm going to have to leave China. Thanks Beijinger. Next stop Lilliput.

Re: Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?
Posted Jun 18, 2012 7:12am by Herbz

Mine's a 300rmb Nokia, pickpockets would probably hand it right back.

Re: Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?
Posted Jun 18, 2012 6:42am by rightnow

feer mongering 101

Re: Check Your Pocket – Is Your iPhone Still There?
Posted Jun 18, 2012 6:37am by Herbz

Actually, you shouldn't keep checking your pocket for your iPhone because that's the "tell" that pickpockets use to locate your iPhone. The safest place for an iPhone on a string around your neck under clothing.

If someone bumps into you and your iPhone is in a pocket, you'll probably give your iPhone subconscious pat while looking at the bumper, someone else will be looking at your reaction.

Once the iPhone is located, they tug down on the pocket and replace the iPhone with a block weighing the same as the iPhone.

If a scalpel blade is used to cut the pocket, the fake iPhone slab will have double sided tape and stick to the inside of the sliced flap.

Better to be streetwise and wear your iPhone round your neck next to your iPad.