A brazen theft at the Apple store on Fourth Street in Berkeley has once again put the spotlight on organized retail crime in the Bay Area. On Friday afternoon, a group of thieves targeted the popular shopping destination, making off with iPhones and other Apple products in a swift, coordinated operation.
Exterior of the Apple Fourth Street store in Berkeley, California.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. at the Apple store located at 1823 Fourth Street, a bustling area known for its upscale retail shops and eateries. According to Berkeley Police Lt. Andrew Rateaver, store employees reported that at least seven individuals, described as males, entered the store and executed a well-planned theft. Eyewitness accounts detailed how the group quickly cut security cords securing display models of iPhones and iPads before fleeing the scene. One witness estimated that the thieves made off with approximately six iPhones and iPads in total.
The suspects were last seen heading northbound on Fourth Street, and despite a subsequent police search of the area, no arrests have been made. Authorities are currently investigating the incident. Lt. Rateaver emphasized that this type of coordinated theft is not unique to the Berkeley location, stating, “Apple has been a victim of this type of theft before, not only in Berkeley, but indeed area wide.” He noted that other Apple stores in the Bay Area, including the Emeryville store, have experienced similar “mob scene” thefts where groups overwhelm staff, grab merchandise, and quickly escape.
This recent event is not an isolated incident for the Apple store on Fourth Street. The store has been targeted multiple times in recent years, indicating a pattern of criminal activity. Just last month, in November, thieves stole laptops from the store. Prior to that, another incident involved a robbery with a knife reported at the same location. Going further back, the store has faced various forms of theft, including a smash-and-grab burglary where a car was driven through the front window, and an attempt to purchase multiple iPhones using a fraudulent credit card. In another reported case, an elderly man was robbed of his iPhone after leaving the store.
The Friday theft at the Apple Fourth Street store was part of a busy day for Berkeley police. Officers also responded to a welfare check that initially appeared to be a death, but turned out to be a medical emergency, and investigated a report of child abuse near Dwight Way and McGee Avenue. Additionally, police were involved in providing support for the shutdown of a homeless encampment at Old City Hall earlier that day.
The investigation into the Apple store theft is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this latest incident at the Apple Fourth Street location. This event underscores the challenges retailers face in combating organized theft and ensuring the safety and security of their stores and merchandise in high-traffic shopping areas.
