The crime rate in New York City has been increased due to aggravating thefts of Apple devices

The New York Times reports that today the Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg has published data on crime at the end of 2012, noting a slight increase in the rate of major crime in the city, which may be a consequence of increased theft of iPhone and iPad.

"As of Monday, the Police Department recorded 3,484 more major crimes in 2012 than for the same period last year. The increase in Apple product thefts: 3,890. [...]

“If you just took away the jump in Apple, we’d be down for the year,” said Marc La Vorgna, the mayor’s press secretary."

Of course, theft of Apple devices have grown, as their popularity has been increased. Police in New York City and other cities are working to prevent extensive circles of thieves and dealers that trades stolen iPhones and other electronics. Last year it was reported that for several months, in some sections of New York City, more than half the robberies occurred with the iPhone.

In today's report also notes that police focused efforts in subway of the city, where the most frequent theft of gadgets because of crowds and possibility to escape easily.