Ask HN: What to do about a stolen, trackable iPad?

3 points by pbreit ↗ HN
I'm watching my stolen iPad travel around the city. The police won't do anything about it. Any recommendations? Suggestions on "Lost Mode" text?

9 comments

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"The police won't do anything about it."

Why?

Seriously. That seems pretty irresponsible
You know what you have to do. Don't wait for someone else to tell you.
If he has a job, just go to his job and pretend that he called you to give you back your ipad infront of every one."hi I just come to pick up my ipad, thank you for calling me"

I don't think he can negate it if you bring the bill and make use of the Tracking software. If he doen't comply then just tell his boss.

Before you take the iPad back, lock it, put a text says "this ipad belongs to your name". That would help.
Go to your local newspaper about the fact the police won't do their job. That should move them into action
Options:

1. Deal with it in person. Risk getting punched in the face (or worse).

2. Ineffective passive/aggressive text on the screen. 2a. If it was 'found' rather than 'stolen' (not likely given the wording), then text MAY habe some effect.

3. Contact media about lack of police interest and hope that that gets you your iPad back eventually (seems unlikely, if you've had to embarrass the police into doing their jobs).

4. Do nothing, accept the loss, move on with your life.

Depending on the circumstances of the theft (ie, mugging vs. it being lifted in a cafe), I'd like to think that I'd go with #1, but in reality, I'd probably go with a combination of #2 and #4.

You are in SF? I'll drive up and go with you to get it..