Thieves want gadgets, not cash

NEW YORK, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- It looks like criminals in New York City would rather have smart phones and iPads than cash, a report indicates.

The report by the New York Police Department says an eCrime wave is sweeping the Big Apple with iPads, smart phones and other pricey electronic devices falling prey to thieves, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday.

The NYPD study found that half of the nearly 16,000 robberies in New York during the first 10 months of 2011 involved gadgets, mostly cellphones.

"This makes electronics the single most stolen property type, surpassing hard currency," the report said.

It found the Apple iPhone is the most sought-after gadget, accounting for more than 70 percent of all cellphones stolen on subways and buses.

The report was ordered by Deputy Commissioner of Operations Patrick Timlin.

It suggests as solutions better record-keeping, more sting operations and a legislative push to disable stolen devices.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has recommended creating a blacklist so stolen phones can't be used on any network.