Apple security measures cut smartphone theft

New security measures by Apple have reduced phone theft by as much as 40 percent, a study from the American Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has shown.

Apple's new mobile security measures, including Find My i-Phone and Activation Lock, had a major impact on i-Phone theft, the data showed.

Smartphone devices are major targets for thieves worldwide.

In San Francisco, 59 percent of robberies involved a smartphone while in New York, the figure was 46 percent.

In London, the corresponding figure was almost 50 percent.

With the Apple Activation Lock, the thefts declined by 38 percent in San Francisco, 24 percent in London and 19 percent in New York.

To curb the robberies even more, the FCC advised customers to take measures, like being aware of their surroundings, noting down the device International Mobile Station Equipment Identity number and treating mobile device theft like credit card theft as devices contain sensitive financial (and personal) information.

They also recommended that users report all mobile device thefts immediately and secure devices using a password/PIN and lock screen function.

Mobile security apps could help the most in locking and then locating lost and stolen devices, cutting phone crime, the report added.