iPhone Thieves Target Unlocked Devices for Higher Black Market Value

A recent report highlights a surge in iPhone thefts, particularly in London, where criminals use scooters and electric bikes to snatch unlocked devices from pedestrians. This method is preferred because unlocked iPhones command a significantly higher price on the black market, potentially worth up to $800 more than locked units. While a locked device may only fetch $50 to $200, an unlocked phone allows thieves access to personal data and financial accounts, increasing its value to between $500 and $1,000. Criminals employ sophisticated phishing kits, such as those sold under names like iRealm via Telegram channels, to trick victims into revealing passcodes or disabling Apple's Activation Lock. These tools mimic official Apple services, including Find My iPhone, to facilitate unauthorized access. In response, the Metropolitan Police have reversed previous safety protocols, now permitting tactical contact to stop thieves on bikes. A recent crackdown resulted in 230 arrests and the recovery of over a thousand phones in one week, illustrating the industrial scale of this cyber-enabled street crime.