French Looters Regret Stealing iPhones After Apple Locks Devices and Tracks Their Locations

Looters who ransacked an Apple Store in Lille, France, during widespread riots have faced an unexpected consequence: the stolen iPhones have been disabled, and their locations are being tracked.

A video circulating on social media shows one of the stolen smartphones displaying a warning in French. The message instructs whoever has the device to return it to the Apple Store in Lille and warns that law enforcement will be notified.

“Please return this device to Apple Lille. This device has been disabled and its location is being tracked. Local law enforcement will be notified,” the on-screen message reads.

Apple’s security system allows the company to disable products stolen from its stores, preventing them from being used. Social media users mocked the looters for stealing devices they would not be able to use properly.

“Protesters looted an Apple Store in Lille, France. It doesn’t get much dumber than that,” one user wrote on X.

“Steal an iPhone only to have it locked two minutes later. What idiots,” another commented.

The Apple Store was not the only target of the unrest. Luxury boutiques belonging to Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dior were also damaged during riots in cities across France.

In Bordeaux, a masked crowd smashed its way into a Louis Vuitton store. Meanwhile, demonstrations featuring red flags and hammer-and-sickle symbols took place in the streets. In Marseille, looters targeted a Hermès boutique, as well as jewelry, cosmetics and clothing stores.

The protests, which began amid discontent over the education system and the rising cost of living, quickly escalated into clashes and widespread looting. According to the New York Post, around 1,800 people were arrested, while more than 500 police officers were injured.

Investment research firm Morningstar estimates that insured losses from the unrest could reach between $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion — nearly twice the damage caused by the 2023 riots, which erupted after a police officer shot and killed teenager Nahel Merzouk.