• News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
iPhones stolen during LA riots blast disturbing alarm with threatening message to thievesiPhones stolen during LA riots blast disturbing alarm with threatening message to thieves

Home> Apple> iPhone

Published 12:47 11 Jun 2025 GMT+1

iPhones stolen during LA riots blast disturbing alarm with threatening message to thievesiPhones stolen during LA riots blast disturbing alarm with threatening message to thieves

Mayor Karen Bass has implemented a nighttime curfew

Tom Chapman

Tom Chapman

Featured Image Credit: Kevin Carter / Contributor via Getty
Apple
Donald Trump
iPhone
News
Tech News

Advert

Advert

Advert

The situation in Los Angeles looks like it's only going to get worse before it gets better, with increasingly strict measures hoping to combat these anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests. Things have been escalating in the aftermath of a series of ICE raids, and as Donald Trump sends in the National Guard, the President of the United States has been accused of fanning the flames.

ICE has been carrying out raids across the city, with the Trump administration pushing reported deportation goals of 3,000 daily arrests. The general public and famous faces alike have spoken out, with Hasan "HasanAbi" Piker taking to the streets and being caught in the crossfire. Anonymous has issued a scathing message warning that this would happen under Donald Trump, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 800 more law enforcement officers in an attempt to "clean up President Trump’s mess."


Rioting has turned into looting, with Apple, Adidas, and T-Mobile stores being among those targeted. Given the high price tag of the average iPhone, it's no surprise that they were a hot commodity to be swiped from the Apple store. Thieves beware, though, as Apple has an impressive countermeasure that causes stolen devices to blast an alarm.

Videos have shown chaos at the Apple Tower Theatre store, with masked individuals smashing their way inside and quickly making off with as many devices as they could carry. Other footage on social media showcases Apple's sophisticated anti-theft technology as alarms blare and the iPhones are locked with a message that reads: "Please return to Apple Tower Theatre. This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted."

Advert

Away from your standard security features like Find My iPhone that are enabled by customers, Apple's retail system automatically disables devices when they're removed from specific locations, and as well as triggering real-time tracking, they'll play loud alarms.

There were scenes of panic as bystanders and the LAPD descended on the scene, with officials confirming at least one arrest was made in connection with the Apple store looting and others linked to similar incidents.

Hoping to combat the increasing situation, Mayor Karen Bass has enforced a curfew on downtown LA from the hours of 8 pm to 6 am local time. With 23 businesses apparently being looted, Bass declared an emergency after "we reached a tipping point." Highlighting a mass of graffiti and 'significant damage' to properties, she was joined by LAPD chief Jim McDonnell, who championed the curfew as a "necessary measure to protect lives" while "unlawful and dangerous behaviour" continues to escalate.

Advert

Residents, those traveling to and from work, homeless people, public safety and emergency personnel will be exempt alongside credited media.

As for those who nabbed an iPhone in the hopes of getting a freebie, it could prove to be a costly (and loud) mistake to make.

  • Anonymous issue scathing message to Donald Trump amid horrific LA riots
  • How two men scammed Apple out of $2,500,000 worth of iPhones in elaborate scheme
  • Apple set to 'source all US iPhones from India' to move production of away from China following Donald Trump's tariffs
  • iPhone prices threaten to rise to eye-watering levels as Apple is among hardest hit by Trump tariffs

Choose your content:

3 hours ago
a day ago
2 days ago
5 days ago
  • 3 hours ago

    Urgent warning issued to all iPhone users following release of iOS 18.6

    Apple urges users to install crucial fix

    Apple
  • a day ago

    Apple fans 'catch' man seemingly product testing top secret unreleased iPhone

    A wild iPhone appeared

    Apple
  • 2 days ago

    Hacked iPhone user shares five 'hidden' security features they wish they knew beforehand

    Better to be safe than sorry

    Apple
  • 5 days ago

    People in disbelief after iPhone user shares result of accidentally baking their phone in the oven for 20 minutes

    That's one way to void your warranty

    Apple