Belgian theft grabs approximately $3 million in iPhones
updated 09:40 am EST, Tue November 17, 2009
Robbery appears carefully planned
Between 3,000 and 4,000 iPhones have been stolen from CEVA Logistics in Willebroek, Belgium, according to regional newspapers De Standaard and Gazet van Antwerpen. Although the exact number of phones taken is uncertain, each one is estimated to have been worth between €575 and €675, putting the total value of the robbery around €2 million, or $3 million US. It is suspected that the thieves had inside information, as they cut a hole in the roofing precisely over where the iPhones were being held.
Most affected by the incident may be local carrier Mobistar, which was anticipating the iPhones in order to cope with an already difficult level of demand. Another shipment is expected within days, though the company could conceivably run out of units in the intervening time period. The thieves may meanwhile have some trouble selling the stolen phones, as Mobistar plans to block their IDs from its network.
Police are said to have made no progress in their investigation.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
Blocked usage
Don't you think this sort of information should be given to ALL carriers to block the phones from use? Not just for iPhones, but for any phone. If your phone is stolen, you report it to your carrier and the phone becomes blacklisted. Sure would help cut down on stolen phone trafficking.