Amid
Rising Numbers of iPhone Thefts Citywide, Klein/Dinowitz Bill Takes Aim at
Distribution Network for Stolen Smartphones
From the scene of the April 2012 murder and robbery of Hwang
Yang. Yang, who was killed on his way home by two assailants who
wanted to steal Yang’s iPhone Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Jeff
Dinowitz, Chair of the Assembly’s Consumer Affairs and Protection
Committee, introduced new legislation today aimed at stemming the tide of iPhone
thefts across New York City. Over the past several years, iPhone thefts in New
York City have soared. Current NYPD statistics show that Apple device thefts
are up 10% this year—and with the September release of the new, technologically
advanced iPhone 5S, some experts are predicting an even greater increase by
year’s end.
The key
to stopping these thefts, Klein believes, is by cutting off demand from some of
the most frequent purchasers of stolen phones. News reports demonstrate that
many stolen iPhones are sold in neighborhood stores, such as laundromats, flea
market stands, and bodegas. These stores sell stolen phones off the books after
buying the phones from street criminals. Klein’s bill targets these black
market retailers by requiring them to prove that they are the rightful owners
of the phones they sell. If a retailer is unable to prove that he or she
purchased the phone legally, that retailer can face hefty fines or even jail
time.
Senator Klein said, “The goal of this legislation is to scare black
market retailers out of this terrible business. If you’re a retailer making a
few extra bucks by selling stolen phones, you’re now going to think twice
before you open up your wallet and pay one of these criminals. I have had
someone killed in my district over an iPhone. That is as bad as it gets. But it’s
an epidemic across this city and we can’t wait any longer to take meaningful
action.”
Assemblyman Dinowitz said, "The theft of smart
phones and other wireless communication devices is perhaps one of the most
frequent crimes committed in New York. In my district there has been a rash of
these thefts in the past couple of years, including a horrific incident where a
young man was murdered for his iPhone. We must take swift action to fight this
crime by creating every possible disincentive for committing these
thefts."
The
legislation will also require retailers to provide detailed receipts for every
phone sold. Under the Klein/Dinowitz legislation, these receipts must show the
phone’s serial number. By providing that information, law enforcement and
consumers will be able to keep better track of how and where stolen phones move
in the marketplace.
Left - Senator Klein gives details of the new legislation, with 50th Precinct Community Council President Paulette Schomo (left) , Assemblyman Dinowitz, and PS 24 PTA President Farrah Reuben.
Right - Assemblyman Dinowitz gives more details about the reason for the new legislation.
Below - A vacant lot across the street from where the announcement was made which has been like this for many years. Could it have given cover to the killers as they waited for their prey?
