NEW YORK CITY — Now the iPhone comes in blue.
The NYPD will be out in force Friday to help the droves of New Yorkers who are buying the newly released iPhone 5 register their devices in order to help combat a rash of thefts and locate them if they are stolen.
The department’s Community Affairs Bureau will be stationed at all six Apple stores in New York, as well as eight AT&T stores and seven Verizon locations around the five boroughs.
New owners of the pricey gadgets — retail prices run between $650 and $850 without a contract — can also have their phones engraved with serial numbers beginning with "N.Y.C." under the free program.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said smartphone and other hand-held devices were responsible for a spike in robberies and larcenies this year.
“Individuals alert to their surroundings are less likely to become victims, and Operation ID will help those whose property is lost or stolen to get it back,” Kelly said in a statement.
Android and other smartphone owners can tap into the free registration service, which is available at all police precincts.
