Want to highlight a helpful answer? Upvote!

Did someone help you, or did an answer or User Tip resolve your issue? Upvote by selecting the upvote arrow. Your feedback helps others! Learn more about when to upvote >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Stolen Ipad

Today may 29th 2010 My Ipad was stolen from my car,its less than 10 days old.I was at the mall where they have an apple store>I confidently walked back into the mall heading to the apple store knowing for a fact that apple will help me and the police(i filed a police report) to locate the stolen Ipad since it has a built in GPS and i have the serial number.They furiously refused and very coldly and carelessly said that they do not do that and they dont even have any database for stolen apple products and they will not track my ipad what so ever.I sware to god they did not even say sorry for my loss.Here iam walking to the apple store with all confident and hope only to face the harsh fact that really they didn't care.Eventhough they can help and they can track and they have the capability to but they wont. Worse thing is it isn't my ipad and i have to pay for new one now that i cant afford.Thank you Apple.

ipad 16gb wifi

Posted on May 29, 2010 9:54 PM

Reply
233 replies

May 29, 2010 11:19 PM in response to dimashq

Apple cannot track your device...they do however offer a service allowing you to do so for a cost of $99/year. It is called MobileMe and it also provides push email, calendars and contacts, online photo storage, and online storage space...

I am sorry for your loss, but the best Apple will ever do outside of offering MobileMe, is to tag the serial as stolen if someone ever comes in to have it serviced...

May 29, 2010 11:51 PM in response to dimashq

Apple does not have the capability to track any stolen device. You need to report the theft to your local police department. I'm guessing you left the iPad in the passenger compartment where it was visible, which is always a bad idea. Sounds like the fault here lies within yourself and you are taking it out on the Apple Store. If they were really that rude to you contact the manager of the store and tell them what happened.

May 30, 2010 5:19 AM in response to dimashq

dimashq wrote:
Just sharing my painful experience.The least thing i can do.I have liability insurance so they wont cover.my door is damaged as well. I really wish APPLE would reconsider and track my device.I really do.


If you purchased it with a credit card, some banks offer protection on purchases. I know Amex does.

May 30, 2010 6:43 AM in response to dimashq

Just because something has a GPS "receiver" doesn't mean that it is locate-able all the time. Plus the serial number of the iPad has nothing to do with the GPS chipset. If you're referring to the IMEI (i assume since you mention the iPad has a GPS, you have the iPad 3G) then AT&T "might" (i stress "might") be able to help there if the person uses or signs on to the 3G network, as they "might" be able to triangulate which cell towers are picking it up. Still it's a big stretch.

As for the comments regarding Mobile Me ($99/yr) and its "Find My iPhone/iPad" feature, this is not always reliable. If the thief does a factory reset or wipes the device or a recovery, then it is moot as all the information on the iPad is wiped and factory reset.

There really isn't anything anyone can do in this case, Apple or police. Sorry about the loss.

May 31, 2010 9:29 AM in response to LordMerovingian

Yes something that has a GPS is trackable 🙂
and no having a GPS does not mean its 3g,mine is wifi only 🙂
i appreciate your comment.and know it was not in the compartment or anywhere visible,it was well hidden and wrapped but someone was following/watching me for the purpose of stealing it I'm 100% sure. Thank you all and please be careful and safe.Its a harsh reality.

May 31, 2010 9:54 AM in response to dimashq

I believe 'wi-fi' iPads should never leave the house. As soon as I get mine, it will be used as a 'home appliance' -- for email, stock quotes etc. When I need to bring a device out with me, I will use my iPodTouch. This fits in my pocket. Thanks Dimashq for bringing your situation to the attention of others. It just might help this from happening again.

May 31, 2010 1:42 PM in response to dimashq

An auto policy typically does not cover any items stolen from a car that are not part of the vehicle's equipment. Any such coverage would be under a home owner's/renter's policy.

By the way, why would Apple be in any way obligated to help you find your iPad? It was not of their doing that it got stolen. Unfortunately things like this happen when you leave valuable items in your vehicle. I'd learn from that and take it with you next time. Just saying.

May 31, 2010 3:12 PM in response to Brian I.

APPle is not obligated to do anything,all big companies have fine prints to protect them 99.9%.But if you can help in situation like this(which technically they can locate/deactivate)why not help? Its called Great customer service and when theives know that apple dont do that and they can run away with their stolen apple products knowing that they do not track'em/deactivate them/keeping a data base of stolen apple products it only encourage'em and make their life easier.I had no intention in keeping my ipad with me,i took it with me because i was shipping it out to my brother overseas and stopped by the apple store for 12 minutes to buy him a case before i ship it.

May 31, 2010 3:29 PM in response to deggie

I respect your opinion and defending APPLE eventhough its techniacally doable but i think they just want people to buy mobile me.
Whats the excuse for not having a database or flaging system for stolen apple products with serial number then,thats a lack of service and not wanting to be involved,thats the least thing a big company such as APPLE can do.ANy company need to do whatever possible not to make thieves enjoy their stolen goods and make them WORRY about what they did and that they might get caught,that it self can reduce thefts

Stolen Ipad

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.