The Hoboken Police Department is advising residents of an increase in cellphone thefts in the region and is encouraging residents and visitors to protect their property from this crime of opportunity.
Investigators have received more than two dozen reports of so-called “apple picking,” or cellphone thefts and pickpocketing in Hoboken so far this year. The thefts usually take place in crowded bars and restaurants, in which criminals stake out the establishment and wait for patrons to leave their phones unattended, out of sight, or easily accessible.
Police have provided tips to help avoid falling victim to this crime:
- Never leave your cellphone unattended;
- If keeping your cellphone in a pocket, make sure it’s in the front and not the back pocket;
- Always keep purses in front of your body, even when sitting;
- Don’t keep cash, credit cards, or personal identification in your cellphone case.
If your cellphone is stolen, file a police report immediately. Anyone with information on recent cellphone thefts or pickpocketing, is asked to contact Police Officer Daniel Grossi with the Hoboken Detective Bureau, at GrossiD@Hobokenpdnj.gov.
