Last Updated: February 08, 2024, 19:00 IST
Crime in Oakland has intensified in recent times. (Photo Credits: Twitter)
The shocking video shows a daring thief brazenly snatching approximately 40 iPhones from a store in Oakland.
The phrase ‘Apple Store’ is dominating discussions on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), but not for reasons Apple enthusiasts would hope. A shocking video, initially shared by the TikTok account has gone viral, depicting a daring thief brazenly snatching approximately 40 iPhone floor models from three display tables within an Apple Store. The audacious act unfolded while employees appeared powerless to intervene.
In the footage, the thief can be seen swiftly concealing the iPhones in his clothing before making a hasty exit. Notably, the incident purportedly took place near an Emeryville Police vehicle, raising questions about the efficacy of law enforcement measures in the area.
Despite widespread circulation of the video, several accounts erroneously identified the location as Oakland. However, according to The E’ville Eye, Oakland does not house any Apple Stores within its city limits. Instead, neighbouring cities such as San Jose and San Francisco boast multiple Apple retail outlets.
The spotlight on crime in Oakland has intensified in recent times, with the abrupt closure of popular eateries such as In-N-Out Burger and Denny’s along the Hegenberger corridor, citing safety concerns as a primary factor. This concerning trend has prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to deploy 120 California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officers to Oakland and its surrounding areas.
The surge in retail theft and robberies has contributed to mounting pressure on local officials, with calls for increased enforcement and measures to combat criminal recidivism. In a notable development, police apprehended three individuals in connection with the theft of 75 iPhones from the Berkeley Apple Store. According to authorities, the suspects were tracked down with the assistance of CHP, Oakland Police Department (OPD), and Emeryville PD, leading to the successful recovery of the stolen phones, according to the report by The Berkeley Scanner.
“While it is still early in the investigation, this apprehended crew may be linked to several organized retail theft crimes targeting the Berkeley Apple Store,” Berkeley police in a press release, as reported by the news outlet. As of publication time, the identities of the arrested individuals, comprising two men and a woman, remain undisclosed.