A shocking video capturing a daylight theft at the Apple Store on Bay Street in Emeryville, California, has ignited social media and highlighted the escalating issue of retail crime in the Bay Area. The incident, which unfolded on Monday, February 5th, shows a thief brazenly stealing approximately 50 iPhone display models and calmly walking out as employees stood by.
The video, initially shared on TikTok by the account “Unlimited_ls,” quickly went viral, trending on X (formerly Twitter). It depicts the individual methodically grabbing iPhones from multiple display tables and stuffing them into his pants. Adding to the audacity, the thief is then seen casually walking past what appears to be an Emeryville Police Department vehicle before entering a getaway car.
🚨Astronaut peacefully stealing iPhones from Apple Store in Oakland, California pic.twitter.com/9kzF6nz0zY
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) February 7, 2024
Despite the initial online buzz incorrectly labeling the location as “Oakland,” the incident unequivocally occurred at the Apple Store on Bay Street in Emeryville, CA. It’s important to note that Oakland, while a major city in the region, does not actually have an Apple Store within its city limits. This detail underscores the specific location of this crime at the Emeryville Apple Store.
This theft at the Apple Bay Street Emeryville location is not an isolated event but rather a stark example of a broader crime wave impacting the region. Oakland has recently faced negative attention due to the closure of businesses like In-N-Out Burger and Denny’s, both citing crime as a primary factor. This surge in retail theft and robberies has prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to deploy 120 California Highway Patrol officers to Oakland and the wider East Bay area in an attempt to curb the rising tide of criminal activity.
The public exposure of these brazen thefts is contributing to growing discontent and has fueled recall efforts targeting local officials who are perceived as not doing enough to address lax law enforcement and repeat offenders. The incident at the Apple store on Bay Street in Emeryville CA, serves as a potent symbol of this frustration.
Questions are being raised about the security measures in place at Apple Stores, the actual value of these floor model iPhones, and the effectiveness of law enforcement in tracking stolen devices. While these display models may seem valuable, reports suggest Apple is aware of theft risks and factors this into their business model.
These stolen iPhones are likely destined for resale through online marketplaces to unsuspecting buyers, shipment overseas, or dismantling for valuable components like screens which are sought after by third-party repair shops.
Apple Store employees and security personnel are reportedly trained not to physically intervene in these theft situations to avoid potential escalation and harm to staff or customers. This hands-off approach, while prioritizing safety, can appear passive in the face of such brazen criminal acts, as seen in the Emeryville Apple store theft video.
In response to these recurring incidents, some local residents have suggested considering measures like temporarily closing Bay Street to vehicle traffic to deter “getaway” cars and make the area less accessible for thieves targeting businesses like the Apple Store on Bay Street in Emeryville CA.
Masked duo caught on camera Tuesday night stealing iPhones and MacBooks from @Apple store on Bay Street in Emeryville. pic.twitter.com/n911x6yctx
— Dan Thorn (@DanThorn_) February 1, 2024
Adding to the concern, KRON4 anchor Dan Thorn shared footage of a separate incident at the same Apple Store on Bay Street, Emeryville, indicating that this is not an isolated occurrence. Emeryville Police Chief Jeff Jennings acknowledged the strain these thefts are placing on his department, stating they would be allocating overtime to patrol the Apple store when resources allow. He also mentioned collaborative efforts with other agencies to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these ongoing thefts at the Apple Bay Street Emeryville location.
The Apple Store at Bay Street in Emeryville had recently reopened on January 8th after a five-month closure for renovations. Disturbingly, in the short period since its reopening, the store has reportedly been targeted by thieves in a similar manner at least four times. This pattern highlights the vulnerability of this specific retail location.
The nearby Apple Store on 4th Street in Berkeley has also experienced a surge in similar crimes, with five incidents reported in January alone, according to The Berkeley Scanner. Chief Jennings confirmed that the Berkeley location was targeted again recently. However, in that instance, a police pursuit ensued, leading to the arrest of three suspects, as documented by the X account “FriscoLive415.”
🚁And that’s how it’s done ladies and gentlemen!!Oakland PD now has the vehicle stopped, two people are reportedly detained, “one male, one x-ray” (female)“Only 2 occupants were in the vehicle, all parties detained”Fantastic work folks… this was fun to follow!! https://t.co/RIGpfyRynd pic.twitter.com/NthTehdu5Y
Further details on the Berkeley arrests are available from The Berkeley Scanner. It is crucial to clarify that these incidents are classified as “thefts” rather than “robberies” because no force or threat of force was used against individuals during these events. The focus remains on the escalating property crime impacting businesses like the Apple Store on Bay Street in Emeryville CA, and across the wider Bay Area.
