Crime takes a bite out of Apple store business

Swarm-style burglars haven’t targeted the Apple store on State St. in Santa Barbara, but they have hit stores in San Luis Obispo, Costa Mesa and Fresno in recent months.

The brazen crimes in the morning and evening hours have been caught on surveillance videos that have gone viral online.

Customers were shocked to see how quickly men in hoods could pull the display products off their leashes and run out of the store.

They appeared to scare witnesses. Some of the burglars can be seen kicking and shoving people trying to stop them, but that hasn’t kept customers away.

Exchange student Josep Ferrer said he likes Apple products and will keep shopping at their stores.

Montecito resident Joyce Raymond said she would too, but next time she steps foot in the store she won’t be so casual about it. Raymond said she will hold her purse and other items closer and be more aware of her surroundings.

An Apple spokesperson could not be reached for comment about their security measures in the wake of what appears to be copy-cat crimes.