Businesses, buyers snared

A sting operation involving undercover New York Police Department officers resulted in 141 arrests last week, according to an announcement. The NYPD say that having identified a number businesses throughout New York City -- including some thought to have received stolen goods before -- the undercover officers went out to sell iPhone 4s and iPad 2s with the claim that they were stolen. Devices were offered at prices between $50 and $200.

On Friday, though, Police Commission Ray Kelly described the sting as a "two-prong approach to apprehend both thieves and receivers of stolen property." It is unclear how many of the people arrested worked for the targeted businesses. The snare operation began last Tuesday, and continued into Friday.

Apple products are often a lucrative target for thieves and black market vendors. As a rule the devices are extremely popular, making them easy to resell at high prices. Apple Stores themselves have sometimes been hit by smash-and-grab robberies, in which the culprits take advantage of glass facades and simple store layouts to scoop up as many electronics as possible.

by MacNN Staff