Kill Switches for iPhones, Will They Help Stem Castro's Rash of 'Apple Pickings'?

Apple announced earlier this month at its Worldwide Developers Conference focused on the new iOS 7 operating system for mobile devices that they're planning on installing a kill switch in the new iPhone models coming in the Fall of 2013.

The announcement comes after mounting pressure led by SF District Attorney George Gascon to get all telecommunications manufacturers and providers involved in fighting smartphone thefts that currently account for one in three crimes in the Castro and the City at large. Instances of iPhone thefts have been nicknamed 'Apple Picking' and are at the center of some of the most violent and pervasive assaults in the neighborhood during the last year like the one that left trainer/massage therapist, Dalton Huckaby, badly bruised and battered in March. The way the kill switch works is pretty simple. If your iPhone is stolen and the bandits manage to disable the "Find My iPhone" feature or wipe it clean, they can't turn it back on without your Apple ID and password. This makes your phone inoperable. If you can't operate it you can't fence it so no ill gotten gain to be had.

DA Gascon met with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman post Apple announcement where they revealed the formation of a national coalition called the Secure Our Smartphones Initiative (SOSI). The SOSI group is composed of law enforcement departments, district attorneys, politicians and communication professionals who will be pushing telecom giants to standardize software to include a kill switch in all models helping to relieve the entire country from the epidemic of phone thefts everyone is suffering under. Mr. Gascon was pleased Apple appears to be getting on board but was also cautious reserving  full praise for their efforts until he sees how the new system operates in the field, if it has bugs and whether or not law enforcement is able to incorporate it into their own existing systems of investigation and software.

SFPD Chief, Greg Suhr, was also relieved to hear of Apple's plans. "With cell phone theft a national epidemic it's about time." he said regarding Apple's announcement. He also noted Samsung has claimed they're developing a similar component for their phones meaning there's a sort of horse race to see which phone maker crosses the finish line first the victor hopes to see it translate into new business, growth in consumer confidence and law enforcement gratitude. Until this new theft deterrent development is in place continue to be aware that Apple Picking is a popular sport among thieves. It's a crime of opportunity and quite random without rhyme or reason catching victims off guard and by surprise. Check out the Safety Page here on the Biscuit for ideas and agencies to help keep yourself and your property secure while playing or living in the neighborhood especially during Pride season when the Castro is often seen as open hunting grounds for thefts and assaults.