It looks like Apple and the NYPD have been collaborating here: http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/22/4018190/nypd-apple-squad-for-hunting-stolen-iphones-and-ipads

It looks like Apple and the NYPD have been collaborating here: http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/22/4018190/nypd-apple-squad-for-hunting-stolen-iphones-and-ipads http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/22/4018190/nypd-apple-squad-f... The problem with a phone is that you can put it in airplane mode and then factory reset it. Also, it's pocketable, so it's easy to hide, even if someone found the general location of the phone.