Working with Apple, a significant improvement in security measures has led to a substantial decrease in the reactivation of stolen phones, making it increasingly difficult for criminals to profit from their illicit gains. Apple’s Stolen Device Protection feature, now enabled by default, delays critical security changes when a device is outside of familiar locations, allowing owners time to secure their data. This collaboration, alongside enhanced intelligence sharing between the Metropolitan Police and Apple, and new government powers for police to locate stolen goods, is anticipated to drastically reduce phone theft.
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Alleged “porch pirates” targeting FedEx packages with insider information is a disturbing story, but let’s break it down. It sounds like a sophisticated operation, far beyond the typical opportunistic grab-and-dash. Prosecutors are alleging that these individuals weren’t just randomly pilfering packages from doorsteps; they were actively manipulating the delivery system. The accusation is that they “hacked” into the system to reroute valuable items, specifically cellphones, to strategically chosen drop-off points, often using fake names and unsuspecting residences.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement recovered an International Mobile Equipment Identity scanner from one of the defendant’s homes. This scanner, usually used for inventory and by mobile carriers, can also be used to clone devices and potentially enable identity theft.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood