New Technology May Help Stop Smartphone Thefts
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Just minutes after buying an iPhone 6, thieves attack a man in Towson.
Jessica Kartalija reports the theft of smartphones is growing, while new technology is aimed at stopping violent thefts.
He camped out all night to get his hands on the new phone.
"I was like I have to get it; I was like I have to have the 6 Plus," said Braden Myers. "I wanted the Plus, too."
But Myers never imagined that within minutes of buying one at Towson Town Center...
"A fist straight across my face into my jaw, knocking me down on the ground. And then him grabbing my phone and trying to rip it out of my hand. I held onto it with all my might," Myers said.
It happened in broad daylight. When people ran to help, the thieves took off.
Myers was lucky. Last year, more than 1.5 million Americans had their smartphones stolen--many of the thefts were violent.
In an effort to crack down on the number of thefts, the new iPhone 6 comes with kill switch technology.
"Now with activation lock, if a thief tries to turn off "Find My iPhone," or if they even wipe the device entirely, they will not be able to reactivate it," an Apple executive said.
Despite high security measures on the phones and at the mall...
"You don't really see that coming. But immediately, it just hit me and I was kind of like, `Wow, this is actually happening,'" Myers said.
The thieves weren't able to take his phone, and aside from a few bruises, Myers is fine.
"Little sore, but I'm sure I'll be fine by tomorrow," he said.
Police say it's always a good idea to stay alert, and, if possible, walk around with your cell phone in a purse or your pocket.
One suspect has been arrested.
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