The Week in Electronics Retail Crime

Airport Workers Caught Stealing CE From Bags

Two employees at New York's JFK Airport were caught on camera stealing a computer and cell phone from luggage at the airport, the New York Daily News reported. The luggage was actually a decoy, set up as part of a sting. The two men were charged with grand larceny, possession of stolen property and falsifying business records, and face up to four years in prison.

Two Arrested After Best Buy Armed Robbery

A man and a woman were arrested this week and charged with armed robbery of a best Buy in Scottsdale, Ariz. According to local TV station ABC 15, the man shoplifted two computers and pulled a knife on a security guard who tried to stop him. They fled but employees took down their license plate number, leading police to their home. The male was charged with armed robbery and drug possession; the woman with ID theft, drug possession, and DUI.

UPS Driver Charged With Thefts

An employee of UPS in suburban Philadelphia has been charged with stealing nearly $3,000 worth of electronics from various packages. According to the Bethlehem Area News, the man worked in a UPS facility, and stole five iPod touch devices and five Samsung Propel phones, which his brother sold on eBay. The brothers were arrested after the devices were activated, and traced back to them.



Two Arrested in Mass. Theft

A pair of 20-year-olds were arrested for stealing $7,000 worth of merchandise from a Best Buy in Salem, Mass. According to the Eagle Tribune Web site, the two men conspired with an 18-year-old Best Buy employee to steal the items, including a TV, computer, game console and more, using fraudulent gift cards. The three were caught when the store noticed a pattern of thefts.



Police Break Up "Female Theft Ring"

Police in Utah have stopped an all-female theft ring said to have as many as ten members. According to TV station ABC4, the women used fake identities and credit cards to steal clothes, as well as electronics. A Best Buy in Riverdale, Utah, was one of their favorite targets. Police told the station that three of the members have been arrested, while they are pursuing others.