Police contracted to guard Apple Stores in Sacramento following theft spree
Apple has contracted a number of police departments in Sacramento, California to station officers at some Apple Stores, in a bid to increase security at its retail outlets following a long string of robberies by crews in the state.
Members of the Sacramento police will be stationed at the glass doors at the front of Apple Stores as part of the heightened security measures, reports CBS Sacramento. While the report specifies it is taking place in the Sacramento region, Apple is noted to have contacted several police departments, with similar initiatives potentially taking place in other areas.
The presence is also thought to provide assurance to customers that they will be safe, in the event someone attempts to steal the high-priced merchandise. While the police officers attending stores increases safety for patrons, the measure isn't costing the taxpayer anything, as Apple is paying the officers as part of a private contracting agreement.
Many stores based on malls already have a level of protection offered by mall security, but they are unable to perform their duties outside the mall property itself. Police officers are able to pursue further afield than mall security, with a greater chance of apprehending the thief or thieves.
The beefed-up security follows a spate of thefts at numerous Apple Store locations across the state over the last few months. The thefts have been quite brazen at times, with videos showing teams entering the store and acquiring goods before departing, and some stores being hit multiple times in a short space of time.
Multiple arrests have been made over the thefts, with charges brought against 17 individuals on September 30 for conspiracy to commit grand theft. It is estimated that the thefts have cost the stores more than $1 million in lost merchandise.
Members of the Sacramento police will be stationed at the glass doors at the front of Apple Stores as part of the heightened security measures, reports CBS Sacramento. While the report specifies it is taking place in the Sacramento region, Apple is noted to have contacted several police departments, with similar initiatives potentially taking place in other areas.
The presence is also thought to provide assurance to customers that they will be safe, in the event someone attempts to steal the high-priced merchandise. While the police officers attending stores increases safety for patrons, the measure isn't costing the taxpayer anything, as Apple is paying the officers as part of a private contracting agreement.
Many stores based on malls already have a level of protection offered by mall security, but they are unable to perform their duties outside the mall property itself. Police officers are able to pursue further afield than mall security, with a greater chance of apprehending the thief or thieves.
The beefed-up security follows a spate of thefts at numerous Apple Store locations across the state over the last few months. The thefts have been quite brazen at times, with videos showing teams entering the store and acquiring goods before departing, and some stores being hit multiple times in a short space of time.
Multiple arrests have been made over the thefts, with charges brought against 17 individuals on September 30 for conspiracy to commit grand theft. It is estimated that the thefts have cost the stores more than $1 million in lost merchandise.
Comments
A San Francisco McDonald's recently closed because of ongoing drug activity.
McDonald's is pretty much the lowest of the low, at least here in the USA. Not the case in other countries. McDonald's in Japan is a high-quality fast food operation. Their food is much better than the US stores.
It's a shame Apple has to "secure" their retail stores from such brazen acts of thievery. I'll bet this never happens to Microsoft retail stores.
I guy I used to work with had a great night at a Casino and was followed by people who had been watching him. They waited until he left to go home and stopped at a gas station. He was carrying a huge pile of cash- so much his wallet would not fold- so he stashed it elsewhere in his jacket. When they stuck the gun in his back and told him to hand over his wallet, he complied. They got some cash and all his cards, but the winnings were in another pocket.
I noticed something similar at the same Casino some time later when I had won quite a bit and noticed I was being followed. I contacted someone before leaving and they made sure to run interference as I left a short time later. He was tailing me and they stopped him- without accusing him of anything- until I had time to get to my car and get well down the road.
I fully support this. Should have been done ages ago. Better yet, I like other countries I visited where the security wears camo gear, armor vests, and proper fully-automatic rifles. I feel totally safe in those establishments.
Old guy rhetoric. Cops routinely shoot and kill unarmed suspects with little to no repercussions.