FedEx deliveries of AT&T iPhones targeted in nationwide theft ring

AT&T customers are being urged to stay cautious as thieves are using cellular data to track and steal deliveries, particularly iPhones.

Police report a nationwide surge in package thefts by organized criminal groups targeting FedEx shipments of new AT&T iPhones, sometimes resulting in violence.

"Criminal actors obtain cell phone tracking and delivery location information before the deliveries, providing competing organized theft groups the opportunity to intercept the delivery and steal cell phones from delivery personnel or consumers," according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by ABC News. "Violent encounters with criminal actors are escalating as subjects use various tactics, techniques, and procedures to obtain the devices."

There has been a minimum of 77 reported incidents of theft in Northern Virginia alone, highlighting a troubling trend in the area, according to local authorities. In addition, the New York Police Department said it is investigating at least 55 similar theft cases, warranting close attention.

This surge is not isolated, as similar incidents have emerged across various states, indicating a broader, more widespread issue that may require a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies nationwide.

"We work with law enforcement agencies and parcel carriers to protect our deliveries from these sophisticated criminals," AT&T said in a statement.

To elude law enforcement, the thieves have adopted the guise of delivery personnel, according to authorities. They cleverly utilize DoorDash bags and don Amazon or construction vests to blend seamlessly with legitimate couriers. Alarmingly, they often strike just moments after packages are left on doorsteps, snatching them away before anyone notices, police warn.

In Chicago, a man and woman duo were caught on video stealing packages along Damen Avenue in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood last week. Cameras have captured three different thefts and appear to involve the same people, according to ABC affiliate WLS in Chicago.

The video shows a woman walking to the front door and dancing on the walkway. She then grabs a package from the porch and runs to a waiting car parked across the street. The homeowner is alerted to the delivery and shouts at the thief, but it's too late, according to WLS.

In another video obtained by WLS, a man grabs a package with one arm, then picks up another package on the front steps before returning to a similar gray vehicle used in a previous theft.

Both women said they filed reports with the Chicago Police Department and hope somebody recognizes the man and woman in the videos.

"They've got the same M.O. They come up, cigarette hanging out of their mouth, both of them. It looks like a husband-and-wife duo, like a Bonnie and Clyde," a victim told WLS. "They're just going over to these people's houses. They don't even know what's in these packages; so, I'm not sure what they're doing with them. Are they selling them or what?"

Investigators are trying to understand how criminals identify and target specific houses.

"We have rigorous safety and security programs in place and regularly remind our team members of the importance of both personal and package safety," FedEx said in a statement.