iCriminal: iPhone Helping Law Enforcement


Published Oct 07, 2012 at 06:53 PM | 699 views

The intriguing new features found in modern technology are advantageous not just to the consumer, but also to local and regional police departments. The intuitive GPS or tracking feature found within the iPhone can be readily accessed on a computer to identify the precise location of the phone and possibly the holder of the phone. The holder of the phone may be the owner or a thief that has stolen the iPhone from its rightful owner. If somebody reports their iPhone stolen, authorities can plug in the assigned phone number and within minutes, determine the precise location of the phone. This is an enormous asset for the investigators, police, and other law enforcement agencies.

A prime example of the pristine use of the GPS feature within the iPhone occurred in Louisville. Police responded to the home of a burglary victim that reported a significant theft and home intrusion resulting in the loss of multiple electronic devices. This victim stated that their stolen items included a laptop, iPod, and iPhone. Police knew very well of the beneficial tracking abilities of the iPhone, so without haste, the police searched the phone number on a computer and promptly located its precise location. This led to the successful arrest of two individuals, Carl N. Rutter and Paula Allen, both 38 years of age residing in the 3500 block of Bluegrass Avenue. Mr. Rutter and Ms. Allen allowed the police to search their home and inside this home they stumbled upon the burglary victim's stolen property in addition to a landmine of other stolen goods. Police recovered the iPod, iPhone, additional stolen cell phones, laptops, assorted valuable jewelry, 38 caliber revolver, and drugs including methamphetamines, Adderall and Xanax. Adderall is one of the most popular street drugs that is sold for its "upper" properties.

Cleary the police experienced the luxury of the high commodity feature of the iPhone's tracking abilities. GPS tracking features have enhanced the likelihood of recovering stolen properties. The successes achieved in this situation further suggest why incorporating tracking systems is necessary for all types of pricy electronic devices, cars, and additional types of technology. Fortunately in this scenario, the police were able to recover the stolen possessions and return them to their rightful owners. Regardless of the highly desired tracking features, there is no guarantee that police can recover the electronics in the same condition that they initially had before the theft. Thieves could remove features, personal information, and confidential pin numbers or account numbers from stored password options found within smart phones, mobile devices, and laptops. Always remember to never store passwords or keep sensitive information accessible to anyone just in case of a theft. Not only can you experience property loss or damage, you may be faced with an unprecedented case of identity theft.