Last week, there was quite a bit of chatter over a chief who supposedly deployed a team of detectives to recover his son's stolen iPhone. I'm not going to comment on how the department handled the incident, but the case does raise interesting issues about investigations involving portable electronic devices.
We will always respond to a lost or stolen item, but how we work your case will depend on some key variables, such as the seriousness of the crime, the reporting delay and the quality of the other information you can provide about the incident. Another important factor will be whether or not you have downloaded any tracking applications.
With iPhones, iPads and iTouches, there is an app you can download called “Find my iPhone.” With most of the Apple devices using the iOS 5 operating system, the “Find my iPhone” program is built in, and must be activated by the owner through a simple process. Users can find information at:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/built-in-apps/find-my-iphone.html
The app enables you to locate your device on a map from any computer, lock your device remotely and more importantly, you can wipe it clean. The app would also enable us to help you locate your phone, and maybe the suspect. Having the pass code set will block the thief from getting into your apps and accessing the settings necessary to disable the “Find My iPhone” feature.
The bottom line is protect your valuables, and have a plan in case your smart phone or tablet go missing.
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2 comments:
Excellent, excellent advice. Everyone with an iPhone and an iPad should do this right now. It's a great technology that no one really appreciates until they lose their device. Also, write down your device's serial numbers and keep them with your important papers. Use a StuffBak sticker. (And back up your computer's hard drive, while you're at it!)
Thanks, Trevor! Excellent advice.
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