What you need to know
- A UK Apple Store had numerous iPhones stolen during a raid.
- A security guard was threatened with violence as the theft unfolded.
Thieves made away with a number of display iPhones during a raid at a Bristol, UK Apple Store, according to local reports.
Local outlet Bristol Live reports that "a gang of thieves who walked into Bristol's Apple Store and ripped out 'numerous' iPhones from the display before running off are being hunted by police." While the report doesn't say exactly how many iPhones the thieves made off with, it does say that one of the men "threatened to harm" a security guard before they "walked off with thousands of pounds worth of phones."
The caper went down at the Quakers Friars Apple Store in Bristol. Oddly, the report says that it happened "at 9.10am on Tuesday, April 26, soon after the store opened" — but Apple's website says the store doesn't open until 10:00am. Either way, police have shared CCTV of the man involved.
Apple Stores have long been easy targets for thieves thanks to their open entrances and easy access to products, whether that's display iPhone 13 models or cases, chargers, and more that are easily accessed on store shelves. Apple Stores often have security guards posted, especially during busy times, but they are limited in their ability to deal with situations like this. Thankfully, nobody appears to have been hurt during this latest theft.
Apple Stores can be some of the busiest around, especially during peak trading season when a new iPhone is released — as will be the case in September when the iPhone 14 lineup is expected to go on sale.
