Stealing iPhones and iPads in New York is big business it appears. So big it is, that the NYPD is campaigning for iOS users to upgrade to the newest version, iOS 7. Why is this? Well, iOS 7 has a new security mechanism known as Activation Lock that allows the owner to remotely lock down a stolen iPhone via Find My Phone. The plan here is to make iOS devices less of a target for thieves, since it wouldn’t do them any good as a brick.

According to AllThingsD, New York City police officers are even going around Apple stores handing out flyers to iOS users to make them aware of the new update. Furthermore, the officers are working with various communities to reach out and inspire users to upgrade.

If Apple consumers take heed and give iOS 7 a shot, many thieves could find themselves in a world of disappointment. Additionally, such a move might force thieves to improvise and become more violent, but it’s the price we have to pay as geeks to keep our beloved gadgets safe from harm’s way.

Activation Lock is pretty slick. If the phone is stolen, the illegal owner must first enter the legal owner’s Apple ID and password to turn off Find My Phone. It appears now that Android devices might become the next cool thing for thieves to target.

[via AllThingsD]