Stolen iPhones Disabled by Apple After Los Angeles Looting
Several major retailers, including Apple, T-Mobile, and Adidas, were hit by looters during protests against federal immigration enforcement in downtown Los Angeles last week. But for those who grabbed iPhones from Apple’s flagship Tower Theatre location, the stolen devices quickly became useless – thanks to Apple’s anti-theft technology.
The tech giant’s display devices are rigged with advanced security features that automatically disable them the moment they leave the store’s secured network. Once removed from Apple’s Wi-Fi range, the iPhones are remotely locked and display a clear warning: “Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted.” The devices also sound an alarm and flash the message repeatedly, rendering them worthless to resell or activate.
Videos shared online show the stolen phones blaring loudly and displaying the tracking alert -confirming that Apple’s theft deterrent system remains highly effective.
This isn’t the first time Apple’s security measures have neutralized stolen devices. During civil unrest in 2020, similar scenes occurred nationwide as looters discovered the iPhones they had taken were being tracked and disabled in real time.
The system operates using a combination of proximity software, location tracking, and remote locking. It’s designed to ensure stolen demo devices can’t function outside Apple’s controlled environment, while also assisting law enforcement in recovering them and identifying suspects.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that at least three arrests have been made in connection with the incident at the Apple store – one at the scene and two others later linked to the burglary.
This wave of looting comes as California ramps up efforts to combat retail theft. With the passage of Proposition 36, repeat offenders can now face felony charges regardless of how much was stolen. The state has also toughened its stance on group theft and looting, particularly during states of emergency.
Some Southern California district attorneys are calling for even stricter penalties, including mandatory judicial review before releasing suspects, longer prison terms, and reclassifying looting as a felony. Authorities say the goal is clear: to prevent criminals from exploiting moments of unrest to commit retail crimes.
