Published: March 27, 2008 12:51 pm         

Police: Workers steal 332 iPhones

Salem, N.H. — Two men employed to sell iPhones at a mall Apple Computer Store went into business for themselves, stealing 332 of them before being caught by their bosses, police contend.



Police Wednesday arrested Joshua Garrand, 28, of Methuen, Mass., and Christopher Nashed, 22, of Sandown on felony theft charges of stealing $132,468 worth of the popular computer phone and reselling them on the black market, police said.



"These (phones) are in very high demand," said Deputy police Chief William Ganley.



The iPhones retail for about $400.



Police wouldn't say whether the men were selling the phones online or how sophisticated their operation was. Investigators were first contacted by the store in early January. Salem police Sgt. Steve Malisos dug through store records and spent three months on the case.



The iPhones first went on sale in June 2007 after months of fanfare over their Internet access and ability to play music and videos.



Because of limited availability, the company has found itself dealing with iPhones being smuggled and resold worldwide.



James A. Kimble writes for The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover, Mass.