Woman’s iPhone taken in daytime robbery

There was another iPhone robbery in Isla Vista Wednesday. It’s the third reported phone robbery near the University of California, Santa Barbara this month.

The incident happened at about 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in the 6700 block of Abrego Road

Santa Barbara County sheriff’s officials said cellphone robbery is a growing international problem called “Apple-picking.” It’s when thieves steal a phone right from your hands when you’re using it.

Sheriff’s officials said most of these crimes happen so fast, the victim barely realizes what’s happened.

In the most recent case, the robber is only described as a man wearing a gray hoodie. Sheriffs said he is still on the loose.

A used iPhone 5 sells for about $300.

If you know anything about the robberies, call the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

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