In a surprising twist in the smartphone wars, iPhone-craving thieves reject low-value Androids like Samung on the mean streets of London. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Pennsylvania State Police recovered a tractor-trailer load of stolen Apple merchandise—valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars — from a heist in Cumberland County. The rig, packed with iPhones, iPads, and other high-demand devices, was located after thieves targeted it on an interstate ramp. Jared Weaver for ABC27: ‎ Court documents filed by Middlesex Township Police show six people allegedly stopped, opened the back of a tractor-trailer along S. Middlesex Road, and stole Apple products out of it just after 8:30 on Oct. 30. The six people listed below face charges of theft and conspiracy: • Guillermo Cavero, of no known address • 22-year-old Josue Penafiel-Murillo, of no known address • 38-year-old Isreal Hernandez, of no known address • 25-year-old Justin Largo, of…

Prosecutors have charged three individuals with allegedly stealing trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), intensifying scrutiny on the sensitive nature of chipmaking technology. Taiwan is pursuing prison sentences of at least seven years for the group, citing a national security threat, according to a prosecutors’ statement. Debby Wu and Mayumi Negishi for Bloomberg News: ‎ Among those charged was a former TSMC employee who attempted to gain access to the chipmaker’s confidential data while employed at Japanese equipment maker Tokyo Electron Ltd., prosecutors said, and they are looking for 14 years for this engineer surnamed Chen. The case has put a low-profile, lesser-known tech linchpin in Japan under unusual scrutiny. According to prosecutors, the individual convinced former TSMC…

In a sophisticated scheme that blended old-school corruption with modern technology, a crime ring of iPhone porch pirates managed to steal thousands of the Apple devices from unsuspecting homeowners’ porches. Prosecutors recently dismantled the operation, revealing how the group of porch pirates exploited FedEx websites to track packages and bribed AT&T employees to obtain precise delivery data. This brazen combination of insider access and digital savvy allowed the criminals to snatch high-value electronics with alarming efficiency, leaving victims and authorities scrambling to catch up. Ester Fung for The Wall Street Journal: ‎ Last month, federal authorities arrested 13 people in connection with what they say was an international crime ring that targeted FedEx deliveries nationwide. Porch thefts aren’t new, but…

Apple’s AirTag Last winter, George Washington University sent out an alert about a string of Canada Goose jacket thefts and robberies that are continuing to plague the area. Josh Rosenthal for Fox5 Washington D.C.: ‎ “It is something I have to think about, just putting my jacket on,” American University student Meera Hajarnis said. That’s because she was wearing a Canada Goose jacket, which has become a target for thieves. “I know [George Washington University], Georgetown, same issue where a lot of people are just stealing these jackets out of locker rooms, classrooms,” Hajarnis said. In at least one instance, they’re stealing them at gunpoint too. Police said three suspects hopped out of a car, pointed guns, and demanded a…

The iPhone Upgrade Program (IPUP) is a financing program offered by Apple that allows you to get a new iPhone every year for a fixed monthly payment. The program also includes AppleCare+ coverage, which provides protection against accidental damage and theft. To be eligible for the IPUP, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid US credit or debit card. You must also have a wireless carrier plan that is compatible with the iPhone. To enroll in the IPUP, you can visit an Apple Store, Apple's online store, or the Apple Store app. You will need to select the iPhone model you want, choose your carrier plan, and agree to the terms of the program. (more…)