Thieves target Berkeley Apple store twice this week

The Berkeley Apple store. Photo: TJ Gehling

A group of thieves stole an estimated 50 electronic devices from the Berkeley Apple store Tuesday night, and the store was hit again Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m., with a smaller group taking an estimated 20 devices, authorities report.

Limited information was available because the reports are not yet complete, but the Berkeley Police Department was alerted just after 8 p.m. Tuesday that a group of eight males in their late teens or early 20s ran into the Fourth Street Apple shop and stole numerous items. (The shop closes at 8 p.m.)

The store is located at 1823 Fourth St. in Berkeley’s popular Fourth Street shopping district.

Thursday afternoon, while Berkeleyside was on the phone with BPD shortly after 3 p.m., another report came in about a group of four people who had just gone into the store and stolen an estimated 20 devices, according to preliminary information.

Berkeley Police spokesman Sgt. Andrew Frankel said the incidents are considered grand theft, which is a felony.

Police will be checking with other local law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area to find out if the Berkeley thefts are part of a pattern.

The shop has been targeted before, especially around the holidays. Last December, a group of seven males went into the Apple store and took numerous items.

Stay tuned to Berkeleyside for additional information.

Have a question about a local public safety incident? Write to crime@berkeleyside.com. Photographs and videos are always appreciated. Read more about the Berkeley Apple store in past Berkeleyside coverage.

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Emilie Raguso