At least 19 AirPods Maxs have been stolen so far in this series of robberies.
In a series of bold thefts, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is intensifying efforts to apprehend a group of individuals responsible for at least 20 robberies involving Apple headphones in Manhattan and Queens.
The thieves travel via moped or bike, snatch the headphones off their victim’s head, and make a quick getaway.
The suspects are linked to the theft of a motorcycle and at least 19 pairs of AirPods Max, which retail for $549.00 on the online Apple store. Authorities believe the criminals have been at large since September, leaving multiple victims in their wake.
Luckily, none of the victims suffered serious injuries.
AirPods Max Have Been Targets of Robberies For the Past Year
It isn’t the first time thieves have targeted expensive headphones, with AirPods Max robberies fairly common in New York.
Victims often report that thefts occur swiftly and unexpectedly. They usually happen in busy urban areas where the perpetrator can easily blend into the crowd. In many cases, the thefts even happen in broad daylight, demonstrating the brazen nature of these crimes.
However, similar incidents have been reported in other major cities beyond NYC.
In London, a TikToker, named “iamyenlikethemonkey”, shared her experience of being targeted for their AirPods Max.
She recounted an incident where someone on a bike tried to grab her headphones while she was walking in her neighborhood. She described feeling a sudden impact on their head as the thief tried to grab the headphones.
Shocked and frozen, the victim was left in a state of disbelief and fear, particularly as the thief lingered nearby after the failed attempt.
This incident mirrors the tactics used by thieves in New York, where mopeds or bicycles are commonly employed for quick getaways after snatching the headphones.
Users Share Tips to Thief-Proof Your AirPods Max
As the hunt for the headphone bandits continues, some AirPods Max owners share their extra steps to protect their investment.
For instance, since Apple headphones are pricey, you can consider getting them insured. AppleCare does not cover loss or theft. So, you can opt for a third-party policy that covers these for high-value electronics instead.
Additionally, users advice everyone to exercise caution when using AirPods Max in public. The AirPods Max offer Active Noise Cancellation. But, turning on the feature when out and about might dim your awareness of your surroundings. This would leave you more vulnerable to thieves.
Finally, wearing a hoodie to hide the headphones and using a discreet bag when carrying your AirPods Max can reduce the likelihood of attracting unwanted attention.