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Smartphone Theft Drops After Spread of Kill Switches

alphadogg writes "Thefts involving smartphones have declined dramatically in three major cities since manufacturers began implementing 'kill switches' that allow the phones to be turned off remotely if they are stolen, authorities said on Tuesday. The number of stolen iPhones dropped by 40 percent in San Francisco and 25 percent in New York in the 12 months after Apple added a kill switch to its devices in September 2013. In London, smartphone theft dropped by half, according to an announcement by officials in the three cities.

2 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Parts by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Funny

    well, duh, the article says as much, between 50 and 75% of thefts still occur...

    Actually, 100% of all thefts still occur. The total number might be down, though.

    The thefts which don't occur aren't thefts. Unless they occur. They don't keep stats on the thefts which don't occur until they do occur.

    True facts. ;-)

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    Lost at C:>. Found at C.
  2. Re:A better solution... by ColdWetDog · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's funny how states that allow most citizens to carry concealed handguns don't have a problem with bad guys grabbing someone's phone, knocking them over, and trying to run off.

    I wonder if CA, NY, and the rest of them will ever figure out that "An armed society is a polite society."

    Heinleinesque fantasies aside, there is absolutely no reasonable data to suggest that people who carry concealed weapons are any safer than not. For every failed attempted cell phone theft, I would raise you an accidental shooting. Neither are common, however. You want polite? Carry the weapon out in the open. For this, I recommend a nice short sword. Decorative, a wonderful fashion statement. No reloading necessary. Practicing requires aerobic exertion (although not so much strength). Doubles as a cane for emergencies. Bonus points for LED lights on the scabbard (we can start a new craze).

    What's not to like?

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    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!