Thieves Steal 300 Launch Day iPhone X Units Worth Over $300,000 From UPS Truck

Given that the iPhone X is in short supply and that scalpers are selling the smartphones for hundred over MSRP, it should come as no surprise that nefarious actors are looking to get in on the action. In fact, that appears to be the case in San Francisco, where thieves methodically stalked a UPS truck that was out making deliveries yesterday morning.

According to witnesses, the UPS driver stopped to make deliveries to a Macy's store in the Stonestown Galleria. While the driver was away, three individuals wearing hooded sweatshirts exited from a van, broke into the UPS delivery truck, and made off with at least 300 iPhone X smartphones that were destined for a nearby Apple Store.

“It appears the suspects knew what they were looking for," SFPD Taraval police Captain Rick Yick.

With a retail price of $999 ($1,149 for the 256GB model), the thieves made off with at least $300,000 in merchandise that they will be able to quickly flip given the heightened demand for the smartphones. There are currently no leads on the suspects or the current whereabouts.

While the thieves may be able to make a quick buck with their ill-gotten loot, the real "losers" will be the people that foolishly purchase the phones that “fell off the back of a truck”. Apple will easily be able to determine which group of iPhone X devices were stolen and the IMEI number that is attached to each one. So, when someone attempts to activate it, it will be flagged in Apple's system as stolen.

That action by Apple would leave buyers stuck with a rather expensive heavyweight with very little recourse.