April 28, 2005
iPod and cell phone craze blamed for spike in subway crime
Thefts of Ipod portable music players and of cell phones fueled a 20 percent spike last month in New York city subways, officials said, reports The Ithica Journal
"In some cases, bandits have lifted the iPods from unsuspecting straphangers. In others, the thieves -- after spotting victims wearing the telltale white earphones -- have snatched the devices and fled out train doors.
Reports of cell phone thefts have more than doubled to 165 from 82 last year. The thieves target high-tech models that allow them to insert their own computer cards and take over service, police said.
On Web sites, iPod devotees have shared their own crimefighting tips. Some advise always keeping the devices concealed and switching to cheaper-looking earphones.
One site sold retropod kits, which would allow subway riders to disguise their iPods by concealing them inside the bulky casings of old Sony Walkmans.
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