[ad_1]
FILE: Customers are waiting online in front of an Apple Store the day of the release of the new iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max.
(Associated Press)
Eight suspects have been arrested and authorities have issued arrest warrants for nine other people in connection with a wave of robberies in Apple Stores across California, said Thursday the state attorney general, Xavier Becerra.
The value of stolen items, including iPhones, iPads and other electronic devices, has exceeded one million dollars, reports the Sacramento Bee.
"We will continue our work with local law enforcement authorities to extinguish this mob mentality and prosecute these criminals to hold them accountable."
According to police reports, teams of hooded thieves broke into stores, seized display items and fled, all within seconds.
Video footage shows groups of men wandering through the Apple Stores before leaving with merchandise, while customers sit idly by.
APPLE SHOP APPLES CONTINUE IN BAY AREA WITH 9 SHOPS
The 17 suspects in Fresno, Santa Clara and Alameda counties were charged with conspiracy to commit a major robbery.
"Organized retail theft costs millions of California business owners and exposes them to imitating criminals," Becerra said in a statement. "In the end, consumers pay the cost of this diversion of goods. We will continue our work with local law enforcement authorities to extinguish this popular mentality and prosecute these criminals to hold them accountable. "
FILE: The new Apple iPhone 7 appears on the Grove's Apple Store in Los Angeles.
(Associated Press)
The officials on Thursday were mom on the exact figures. But a KGO-TV report released earlier this month reported at least 21 separate incidents in California in May.
According to published information cited by Bee, seven suspects were arrested in Oakland and imprisoned in Alameda County Jail. The eighth suspect was detained in Sonoma County. The other nine are wanted during arrest warrants.
A joint investigation is being conducted by the San Luis Obispo and Oakland Police Departments, according to a press release. Assistance is provided by law enforcement in each of the 19 counties concerned.
"This successful law enforcement collaboration has dismantled an important criminal network," said Oakland Police Chief Anne E. Kirkpatrick.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link
