Spring brings a troubling new crime trend - hold on tight to your iPhones
One day, I was in the locker room of the Ann Arbor Police Department getting ready for an afternoon shift. I was in a really good mood because it was one of those perfect spring days. The sun was out, it was getting really warm out and I had gotten an opportunity to be outside and enjoy it before my shift.
The tall frame of my deputy chief walked down the aisle and I greeted the big boss as I usually did, “Hey Boss how ya doin’?”
“Good Rich how are you?”
“Great! How can you be anything but great on a beautiful day like today? It is gorgeous outside!”
He shook his head at the young, eternally optimistic pup of an officer and replied, “Yeah…Great…. This weather is sure to bring out all of the -- insert police jargon expletive describing disorderly individuals -- tonight.”
I reflected for a moment as a slid my bulletproof vest over my head. All cops want to do a good job and protect the citizens. I noted a little difference in perspective between the deputy chief and me.
Thieves are snatching iPhones and other devices from people's hands to trade them for credits from drug dealers.
Mikalai Bachkou | Dreamstime.com
The spring-awakened troublemakers would be “hanging out” disorderly drinking and fighting in the streets outside bars and at off-campus parties. Warm weather brought open windows and front entrances protected only by unlocked screen doors for thieves to enter and pillage. Roving bands of teens looking to “beat down” and potentially rob any testosterone driven young man who reacted to their taunts. Prowlers, window peepers, exhibitionists and all manners of reprobates would find it easier to operate unencumbered by long underwear, winter boots and bulky garments.
All of that would translate into tough questions and media coverage. The spotlight on attention grabbing headlines of incidents in the street would cause the politicians and city administration to squirm. They would in turn ask as they do every year, “Chief and Deputy Chief, WHAT is the police department doing to address these issues?”
From my street level perspective, I was just enjoying a few rays and looking forward to a little “action” on the streets. People would be out. Criminals would be out. What the boss viewed as problems, I saw as opportunities to catch bad guys and do some “police work.”
In between the action on the streets there would be time for a Washtenaw Dairy ice cream cone or Dairy Queen treat—I actually prefer “Boston Coolers” at each because ice cream cones consumed with a mustache and navy blue shirt in a police car can be lead to a sloppy uniform disaster. Back in the day a burger at Everett’s or a root beer and Coney at the A & W were also cherished spring pastimes.
People would be out on the streets again, and would laugh and smile more. They would be looking up, instead of burying their faces and looking down to block the wind and weather or scanning for patches of ice. They spoke positively about the weather instead of grumbling about Michigan winters. Spring is a great time in an All-American college town to watch the people and scenery flowing past the windows of a police cruiser.
I still feel that way, but I also have concerns this spring. Recently in speaking to old colleagues in Ann Arbor there are some disturbing crime trends. Criminals are actually ripping electronic devices out of victim’s hands.
Some of the thugs will rush up to victims and hurriedly ask if they can borrow a smart phone the victim is using because they “lost” theirs. The thief then grabs the phone and dashes away. Other rogues will just spot the device and run by and grab it.
According to the detectives I spoke to, heroin is driving this ugly trend. The “dope sick” addict can get $100 credit at the dope house for Apple electronic devices and $50 for all others, if they are tough enough or fast enough to get away with the victims e-device. What disturbs me is that this particular crime is dangerous and desperate. The chances of the suspect being identified and apprehended by the police or beaten to a bloody pulp or shot by the victim are rather high since this is a face-to-face encounter. That means the fool committing the crime is extremely desperate. The next question is just how desperate and how far will that individual go to “get right” -- that is get heroin?
Remember, “be aware and watch out for your neighbor.” Be aware of where you are using your e-devices and who is around you. Keep your head up and keep your eyes moving. If you do not have to use the device in a crowd, conceal it so as not to tempt the would-be thief.
Watch out for your neighbors. If you see a problem developing, be a good witness and call 9-1-1 and report what is going on to the police. If you see the police in foot pursuit of a suspect and used to play contact sports or feel confident enough, a well-placed foot or shoulder can launch a criminal or at least vary their course and slow them for the pursuing officer. Several times “good neighbors” have assisted me while I lumbered after a fleeing criminal, but if you don’t feel comfortable stand back and be a good witness.
If you see a suspicious person who looks like they are going to victimize someone—call the police. Prevent the crime before it happens. That is being a good neighbor.
Speaking of good neighbors, a great neighbor of mine for 40 some years passed away last weekend. This Korean War combat tested Marine was a great neighbor who called anytime he saw a problem around my family’s cottage. I will miss his friendly jibes that he believed my gorgeous wife actually wrote these columns. Rest in peace Mr. Fisher.
Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors.
Comments
Sallyxyz
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:53 a.m.
Always enjoy the comments of Mr Kinsey. Good advice. My grandkids are now asking about iphones.....one more aspect of the new technology I need to educate them on. It's sad that some criminals are so desperate as to steal an iphone from someone's hand. Be careful out there, folks.
Engineer
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
More good reason to carry.
Mark
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
I guess using it in the car is a safe alternative. ;p
john728
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Great story Rich and right on with the cell tip that's funny because just a few days ago i was out side smoking and a guy walk up and asked if i had a cell phone he could use and i said sure i reached down lifted my shirt to get my phone and i think he notice my sidearm b4 i could get my phone out he was gone, i guess he didn't want to make a call,
Tom Joad
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
Part of the problem is the major carriers ATT, Verizon et al have refused to institute measures to make stolen phones worthless and non-operable. Of course an iphone is a cachet item and you could still use it's many features without having the phone workable. I think the carriers are staring to take measures, like many other countries already do render a stolen phone a brick and thus 'less' attractive to steal.
Sallyxyz
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 12:55 a.m.
Major carriers only care about one thing: profit. Anything that might provide more safety for consumers is not high on their list.
snark12
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
Yes, the effort to create a national stolen phone database was announced 10 days ago. http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/us-carriers-agree-to-build-stolen-phone-database-and-blacklist/
kmgeb2000
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:29 p.m.
I love the line: Remember, "be aware and watch out for your neighbor." Too bad for me on this one as it has a different connotation, since when I "what out" for my neighbor he happens to be a 2nd Degree, lifetime registered, Criminal Sexual Conduct (Person Under 13) sex offender.
DNB
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
I'm sorry for you. I guess in your case you have to watch out for your kids and/or your significant other.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
I have to admit that it never would have occurred to me that someone might run up to me and steal my phone. I guess I'll have to be more careful when I use it.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
Most important: getting a policeman's perspective on criminals and citizen self-protective alertness and preparation is a valuable gift for us all. Thanks, Rich, and thanks also to AnnArbor.com for giving Rich Kinsey the speaker's platform. Frequent casual use of cell phones in public is one of the worst habits imaginable: making the user less aware or oblivious to their surroundings. Anyone who's been in a grocery check-out lane has seen e-phone users hold up the line because they're completely absorbed in a "chat" with someone who is also unaware of the effect they're having. Anyone out walking in this town has seen countless examples of e-phone chatters making themselves vulnerable to everything from getting run down by a car to snatch and run thieves, muggers and even rapists. A fool uses their cell phone in public to show their status, to enhance their social life or just to occupy idle moments. A fool and his /her valuables are soon parted: potentially including that valuable we call Life. Don't be a fool: use your cell phone as a tool - because that's what it is.
Kara H
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
"Frequent casual use of cell phones in public is one of the worst habits imaginable" Surely this is hyperbole? You can really imagine nothing worse? "A fool uses their cell phone in public to show their status" And surely this a rhetorical flourish? A gross generalization in order to make an unsupportable point? Look, times have changed and cell phones are part of this here modern life. It's not a status symbol, its a piece of how we live our lives and communicate--as you've correctly stated--a tool. Some cell phone users are rude in public settings, as are some drivers, pedestrians, fellow movie goers, waiters, diners... It's good that buried in this article was some useful info about a type of crime of which, I know, I was unaware. It's unfortunate that what's followed is this strange set of commentary about how the owners of cell phones are somehow at fault for actually using them. I'm not sure we'd blame a car jacking victim for the crime because they were foolish enough to actually have their keys out. So, thanks for the crime alert. No thanks to all the social commentary.
djacks24
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
"A fool uses their cell phone in public to show their status, to enhance their social life or just to occupy idle moments. " This used to be the case, however cell phones have been around long enough to have built up an "etiquette of considerate usage" and are cheap enough to not prove anything to anyone if someone is ignorant enough to be on it in public (at least without stepping aside or being an obstacle to someone else). It's simply not being aware (or even caring) about consideration of surroundings anymore.
Ron Granger
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
The other trick those crooks use is to ask you for the "time". Most people don't wear watches, so there is a good chance you will pull out your new phone and practically hand it to them. Especially if you've been out drinking.
ViSHa
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
Good point.
djacks24
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
"In between the action on the streets there would be time for a Washtenaw Dairy ice cream cone or Dairy Queen treat" "If you see the police in foot pursuit of a suspect and used to play contact sports or feel confident enough, a well-placed foot or shoulder can launch a criminal or at least vary their course and slow them for the pursuing officer." With all due respect to law enforcement. But this says to me that citizens may want to consider playing vigilante or put themselves in harms way for cops who don't want to put forth the effort to stay fit enough to do their job? I spend 5 days a week at the gym (at least 2 hours each session) and reserve high calorie foods for special occasions like weekends. If I can do it and am not even a police officer, why can't all police officers do this?
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
your still making assumptions...."if your ideal lunch or break is pounding down sweets" is nothing more than you making something up. Just because a cop mentions a boston cooler doesn't mean every cops "ideal lunch" is "pounding sweets". That is every bit an assumption as if I were to say anybody who spends two hours at a time 5 days a week in the gym must be on steroids. I have no valid reason to say that nor do you have a valid reason to suggest any cops "ideal lunch' is anything.
djacks24
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
I'm just pointing out how it was worded. But also, if your ideal lunch or break is pounding down sweets knowing full well you might be sprinting after someone afterwards, you may want to choose a different line of work as opposed to asking innocent bystanders to run coverage for them. How would you feel chasing someone down after eating ice cream or some kind of desert?
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:50 p.m.
your making several assumptions that may not be true. A cop could very well be in good condition but not be as fast as the perp he's chasing. I spent a lot of hours in the gym too in my day. That doesn't mean I can outrun every two bit criminal on the street.
Ron Granger
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
"Coney at the A & W" Any tips on getting that stain out of your shirt? ;-) I miss that Stadium A & W. What a shame that it closed.
Ron Granger
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
leaguebus, my shirt hates you ;-)
leaguebus
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
Go out to Dexter. The A &W is good and so are the memories.
Nels Eriksson
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
"Roving bands of teens looking to "beat down" and potentially rob any testosterone driven young man who reacted to their taunts." Really? I'd bet this has happened maybe 5 times in the past decade. This is Ann Arbor, not mid-90s Mogadishu. Quit writing and go back to playing golf, old man.
M.
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
Hmm I've seen it...especially walking with a boyfriend. They'll call out crude taunts to me in hopes of causing the guy I am with to join in an altercation.
Constance Colthorp Amrine
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
I enjoy Rich Kinsey's articles.
cbs
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
Rich always hits the nail on the head. Informative and entertaining!
Dog Guy
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
It isn't so much that a person holding a cellphone isn't all there, it's that he isn't there at all. Even when not in use the cellphone drags its user away from the here and now. The result is bad driving, bad company, public nuisance, and easy pickings for crooks.
xmo
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
We need to retrain the criminal element to steal from "Big Education" like U of M, where they can pass on the increase cost to its student without complaint. This way no one get hurts and we have social justice!
Hmm
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
If you try grabbing my phone you better be able to run fast and for a long time cause I'm not giving up anything without a fighting back
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
Until the guy turns around and shoots you... :-/
DNB
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Pioneer has a huge problem with "sticky hands" lifting cell phones, and Ipods, too. They're technically not allowed in school, but kids need their phones to communicate with parents, friends, and make after-school plans. A lot of kids take their Ipods to listen to music on their way to/from school. It's a tough lesson when their electronics are stolen; kids think it won't happen to them.
M.
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
I beg to differ that kids "need" phones in school. Because so many are stolen is precisely the reason kids aren't allowed to bring them. I'm only 26, I don't have to remember very far back to recall that if I needed to contact my parents I could use the school office, and if I wanted to make after-school plans I would do it the night before. I didn't need a phone in school to contact my friends - because I was at SCHOOL and so were my friends!
fairfield
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
What about the old saying: "Never own anything that you cannot afford to lose". Get yourself the cheapest phone you can find and do not load it with personal information. (I know it sounds old-fashioned.)
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
Do you own a house, or a car? Your advice is only relevant if you live in a Teepee and ride a bike everywhere you go.
smokeblwr
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
I don't think most iPhone users are capable of beating anybody to a bloody pulp. That is why they are easy pickings.
djacks24
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Nice stereotyping. I beg to differ and I own one. I can introduce you to some some ultimate fighting guys I work out with that beg to differ also.
hmsp
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
All I can say is why the heck did you get a burger when you could have had a Beef Delight with horseradish sauce? RIP Everett's.
Jake
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
Just seeing the reference to Everettt'e brought a wistful smile to my face. I worked there a few years and it was a favorite place for police and firemen, along with hundreds of regulars. I miss it!
FormerMichRes
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
The article brings out many good points. What I find troubling is that some commenters blame, for instance iPhone users for the thefts by not taking proper precautions. The real problems in Ann Arbor, particularly, is a lack of law and order mindset among its voters and politicians, gang activity which Ann Arbor elitists do not want to acknowledge, ... and a vulnerable, sort of naive population of out-of-towners. These are not just roving bands of college students commiting crimes, but organized gangs that really have nothing in common with college students except for being about the same age. You have to admit for a city its size, Ann Arbor has a lot of criminal activity. Toughen up Ann Arbor! Take a look at what's happened to Detroit, another "weak on crime" Michigan city. You can start at the ballot box. Stop electing the same politicians into office election after election, expecting different results.
Jack
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 6:18 a.m.
TruBlu - Who's doing the politicizing?!! I enjoyed your comment until that point
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
By trying to make a political point - you dilute the real message which is: Personal alertness and tactical thinking are the first line of defense against criminals and violent individuals. "a law and order mindset" - what the "heck" is that? Oh, I get it, it's another phony advertisement on behalf of the (often criminal) Republican Party. Try reviewing Kinsey's column: I think you'll see the purpose is to improve individual awareness and encourage people to adopt an easily acquired SELF defense mind set. Starting at the decision to be personally secure and helping law enforcement creates a lawful and orderly society. Politically criticizing "Ann Arbor" ain't gonna get you far in convincing people here to vote any particular way.
motorcycleminer
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
Rich ..as usual hits the nail on the head ..but according to prince john we don't have crime here in OZ...
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
Of course we have crime here in its various forms. But is it a huge problem? No!
UlyssesWrong1
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:48 a.m.
A little common sense can help in this situation. For example, if you spent a lot of money on a phone, don't give a stranger the chance to steal it by loaning it to him. I know people want to be friendly and kind, but by doing that you're opening yourself up to being a victim. An interesting aspect of shiny, expensive, high tech new phones is that people often are totally oblivious to the real world when they're face down in their phones. So, a good idea would be to keep mind of your surroundings and try not to be distracted while walking. I know a lot of this sounds simple, and crazy stuff can happen if a criminal wants to do it, but people, treat your expensive possessions like plain money. Don't hold up a stack of $400 in public and let everyone know you could be a target. I know, sad. We live in a world where people will prey on you for your belongings.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
The Apple Store gives "Find My iPhone" away for free install. If everyone took the two minutes to install it that it takes this might be a way for the local police to busy a lot of heroin dealers!
M.
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
@Craig - I can't speak for this app because I use Android, but many of the apps for Android have been tested to locate within a foot or two. Also, many of these apps allow you to lock the device remotely so the thief cannot shut it off or do a factory reset. Yes of course you need another device, but who doesn't own or have access to a computer in this area?
djacks24
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:33 p.m.
Also, just tested "Find my iphone" with location services disabled on the phone. Doesn't work and says location services are disabled. So if you want to use the feature turn on location services (should be enabled for most mapping functions to work anyway). Also, set a passcode so if the iphone does get jacked, the theif won't have easy access to go into the settings to turn off location services.
djacks24
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
Find my iphone is free through the app store. It also has the ability to remotely "wipe" the iphone to erase confidential data. Of course you have to set it up with an icloud account and need a device to actually track the device if it gets stolen. But also, if the iphone gets completely wiped, 'find my iphone' won't help track it.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Kristen, if your correct i am missing the logic. I'm sure Mr. Ranzini will clarify at some point.
Kristen
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
Craig, I am sure it was a typographical error and he meant to say "bust" heroin dealers.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
And can you clarify your last point? "....this might be a way for the local police to busy a lot of heroin dealers!" I'm not sure I understand what your suggesting.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
Don't overestimate the capability. Its great if you left your phone somewhere fairly safe and you forgot where. What it won't do is tell you whose pocket its in on Main Street. If its stolen and the thief eventually fences it it might tell you what house its in. But if its in an apartment complex it won't tell you what apartment its in. If its in a bar or restaurant it won't tell you whose pocket or purse its in. So,its a good idea to have but there is a good chance it won't catch a thief.
City Confidential
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
A story on NPR referred to this as "Apple Picking"
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:20 a.m.
I'm in the $50 android crowd. But its worth noting there are apps available that allow you (me) to lock down my phone, erase everything on it and track its approximate location from a computer or another phone. The one I opted to buy was a one time fee of $4.99. There are others that are free.
M.
Fri, Apr 20, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
@Dave - Actually, at least for Android, there are a number of apps that prevent some of the work-arounds you noted. First of all everyone should have a lockscreen set on their device, but even if they don't, most of the security/tracking apps allow you to lock your device from a remote location (ie. your computer). Also, you can "hide" the security app so it is not visible on the phone. Some of them send you emails with GPS updates every ten minutes. Either way, it's better to have one of these apps than not. Many, many people have located their lost or stolen devices because of them.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
I agree. But there are several other scenarios in which having said "security" features could be useful. Not every thief is "tech savvy" . One might lose the phone then have it wind up in other hands after the fact. Some folks who steal phones merely try to use them as long as they can, then dump them. Some folks steal phones then try for a reward for "finding it". I don't know the percentage of phone thieves who have a system down and are highly skilled pros at what they do. So an app that affords one a few potential options is not a bad thing, especially at the price point of free.
Dave
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
Any tracking software you place on the phone is pretty irrelevant in terms of security... a tech-illiterate thug might get busted, but one with half a brain will know to wipe the phone completely clean and replace the SIM card(?). [A wireless company employee might be able to correct me on those details.] Point is, any security software/app you buy is worthless after the criminal nukes its memory and identity, then sells it to the nearest pawn shop.
simone66
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 11:05 a.m.
I don't have a smart phone, just a regular plain low tech mobile phone. Of the people I see using smart phones, 95% of them hold on to them in their hands, addictively and actively engaged with the device by texting and reading emails, etc. If they are not using it, it's still just in their hands as if they were holding a precious baby. It's ridiculous, and scummy thugs look out for those people and just come up and grab. People using smart phones need to be aware of their surroundings and be on guard to prevent a sudden grab of their device. Otherwise, they are just prime targets for someone looking for people just like them to take their toy from them.
Chris
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
simone, you are clearly superior to those of us with fancy phones. Thank you for sharing your low-tech wisdom with us today.
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Are you looking for praise for not using a smart phone, or just reiterating what the article said?
EBL
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 10:58 a.m.
As usual, another entertaining and informative article. Rich's street-smart insights are so valuable. I always send them to my kids. I wish every student in town would read--and heed--this article.
Kara H
Thu, Apr 19, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
Read and heed what? There's only about 1 para of actual content, the rest is just a creative writing exercise. The headline should read "Cop muses on spring, crime, and ice cream, shares one interesting fact."