Protests Lead to Store Looting in LA, but Apple’s Tech Strikes Back
Amid protests in Los Angeles against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids, several well-known retailers — including Apple, T-Mobile, and Adidas — were targeted by looters. The LAPD reported at least three arrests, with one suspect caught on-site and two more later detained in connection with the robberies.
While thieves may have expected to leave stores with valuable electronics, they instead walked out with bricked iPhones that instantly blared alarms and displayed bold warning messages. This is thanks to Apple’s advanced in-store anti-theft technology that renders devices unusable as soon as they leave the premises.
Once disconnected from the store’s secure Wi-Fi, the stolen iPhones are automatically locked, tracked, and emit a message that reads:
“Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted.”
In addition to the on-screen warning, the devices emit loud siren-like alarms, making them useless and impossible to resell.
This isn’t the first time Apple has deployed these protections. A similar approach was taken during the 2020 unrest following the death of George Floyd, demonstrating Apple’s ongoing efforts to protect its inventory and assist law enforcement.
Anti-Theft Tech and Legislative Crackdown in California
Apple’s anti-theft strategy leverages location tracking, network triggers, and remote lock protocols. The system instantly detects when a product has left the store and blocks all functionality — preventing stolen merchandise from being used or sold.
Despite increased security measures, thefts remain a growing issue. In response, California legislators are now pushing for stricter penalties. One proposal — Proposition 36 — allows prosecutors to charge repeat offenders with felonies even if the value of the stolen goods is low.
More severe consequences are also being discussed for individuals committing crimes during declared states of emergency. Under new proposals, such offenses could carry longer prison terms to dissuade opportunistic looting during times of public unrest.
District attorneys across Southern California are advocating for these changes, noting that organized theft rings often take advantage of moments of chaos. By increasing penalties for such crimes, officials hope to reduce the frequency of flash mob robberies and other coordinated retail theft.
In this recent wave of looting, however, it’s clear that technology is already playing a strong role in disrupting crime. Thieves looking to profit from stolen Apple devices instead received flashing warnings, deafening alerts — and, ultimately, handcuffs.