Here Are the Top 5 Ways Thieves Steal iPhones (and How to Prevent Them)
Credit: Suttisuntorn
iPhone thieves (and Apple itself) are in a constant battle for valuable customer data. Apple updates its iOS security features regularly so that thieves have an increasingly difficult time stealing data, or even wiping iPhones of their data to sell them (although, these days, many are simply scrapped for parts).
However, thieves continue to persist in stealing iPhones and looking for ways to make a profit from them. People on vacation and those who are a little careless in city areas are, mainly, at risk. And while Apple makes it easy to find your iPhone if it's suddenly gone missing, it's better never to lose it at all.
Let's take a look at the most common ways thieves steal iPhones, and the essential habits you can form to help make sure it doesn't happen to you. Continue reading to learn about the Top 5 Ways Thieves Steal iPhones (and How to Prevent Them).
Swiping from Café Tables
Yes, the infamous café table remains one of the most common options for thieves with an eye for phones. It's still very common to pull out your iPhone at a table and leave there so you can glance at it for updates or play with it when you're bored. The problem with this is that it also makes it really easy to ignore your iPhone, especially if you're talking with friends or working on another device (or even worse, when you leave there to pick up a drink or go to the bathroom).
When an iPhone is simply lying there on a café table, it takes only a second of inattention for someone to shove that phone right into their pocket or bag. This can be especially true for café tables that are located out on the street or in other busy areas. So – even if it takes some getting used to – your iPhone is safer in your pocket. If you're prone to working on your MacBook in public, try this app that prevents thieves from closing your MacBook and/or unplugging it. It'll even send you an iPhone alert if someone tries to get away with it.
Taking iPhones from Back Pockets
Okay, speaking of pockets, your back pocket is not a great place for your iPhone. In fact, back pocket smartphones are very tempting targets for thieves: it's a lot easier to pickpocket an iPhone in this situation and to do so without the owner even realizing until it's too late.
The obvious solution is to move your iPhone up to your front pocket. But depending on your choice of clothing, this could be uncomfortable or impossible. If no other pockets present themselves, stow your phone in a backpack or purse and make sure it's closed/locked appropriately when you're on the move.
Pocketing Phones from Charging Stations
It seems like almost every business offers charging stations these days. Good charging stations have built-in protections that keep people from stealing phones. Weak charging stations have no such security, or security measure that can easily be bypassed with brute force. Some stations even expect you just to keep an eye on your iPhone! This is a worse version of the café table problem, because it's even easier to ignore your iPhone or forget about it while you're busy doing other things.
In general, it's good to avoid charging stations unless you really need them (they are also popular spots for Wi-Fi hacking). A portable phone battery may be a better option for people on the go. If you do pick a charging station, make sure it offers trustworthy, compartmentalized protection.
Pulling a Bait and Switch
This popular pickpocket tactic works especially well when used in combination with one of the other vulnerable situations on our list, such as a public table or back pocket. Basically, a simple team of two pick a mark. One of them creates a distraction, like dropping a purse or spilling a drink right in front of the mark to distract them and hopefully get their full attention. The other thief then snags the iPhone and disappears into the crowd before anyone knows what happened.
Fortunately, this tactic is really only attractive to
thieves working in busy public areas, so be aware of the risks when using your
phone in these places, and always keep it secured.
Stealing Phones from Buses
Buses and similar public transportation create two opportunities for iPhone thieves. First, it can be surprisingly easy to simply forget your iPhone and leave it behind, especially if you just woke up from a nap or are busy with professional matters. Some thieves scour empty seats for any signs of valuable possessions that have been left behind.
The other danger is that someone might steal an iPhone from you while you aren't paying attention. The rumble of transportation, any music you may be listening to, or the aforementioned nap can make it easy for someone to nab your phone. In today's world of wireless earbuds, it may be too late by the time you realize what happened. Keep your phone close, and get in the habit of making sure it's with you when you leave.
Learn More: How to Theft-Proof Your iPhone Today So You Won’t Regret It Later