Film Student Spied on a Phone Thief for Weeks
Ever have your phone, laptop, or car stolen? Wouldn’t you like to know where it is, figure out who stole it, and what they are doing with it? A film student in Amsterdam was frustrated when his iPhone was stolen, so he decided to approach the problem in an unusually technical but artistic way.
The Setup
Anthony van der Meer purchased a phone to be used as a lure. He installed surveillance tools into the firmware of the device, so they would remain persistent even if the phone was reset and the SIM card replaced. He chose the off the shelf anti-theft product Cerberus which can remotely locate and control many of the phones functions. It also has the ability to take pictures, record audio, and listen in on calls. When the phone was ready, he and his colleagues went about trying to get it stolen. This was harder than expected. It took several days before a thief took the bait. Then the fun began.
Prey Tracks the Predator
Anthony was able to track the location of the phone, if it was active, and the calls the thief made. He took pictures of the man who pilfered the device, listened in on his conversations, and tracked his movements.
He began to understand the relationships this person was in, the troubles he faced, and the sad life he seemed to lead. What started out as an exploration into revenge against petty criminals, began to turn into an empathetic journey in the plight of others. Anthony began to be pulled into the life of his perpetrator.
Through the lens of the surveillance software, phone images, and recorded conversations, Anthony began to bond with the phone bandit. Almost a twisted one-way Stockholm Syndrome ensued. Anthony was consumed. After a long period of inactivity Anthony became worries and even went so far as to look for the thief in his normal hangout locations, as captured by the GPS of the phone. He called the phone just to make sure the thief was still there. It all comes to closure, face to face, between Anthony and his phone crook in a single moment.
Anthony, the film student, put together a wonderful short movie that explains his experiences. He does a great job showcasing the highs and lows of his emotional twists. Entertaining and insightful. Enjoy.
Really cool article, catchy read alright. thanks for sharing. Namaste :)
Based on the video he pulled together, I think the film student has a bright future.
That was different, what a great watch. Thank you for posting.
It had a twist. I figured it was just a victim-seeking-revenge story.
I would have called police. Maybe I am not empathic enough... or just sick and tired of unsecurity
Love it, this kid has a bright future.
Interesting in the differing ways that people respond to thieves.
I saw some reality-joke show in which the producers left out cell=phones with the intent that people steal them; they then filmed the thieves getting shocked by remote control. It may have been scripted, but it was funny.
There would be some satisfaction in being able to do that in reality. Nobody likes the feeling of being a victim. Retribution is often a satisfying response.
Retribution as a punitive philosophy is overlooked in favor or other punitive modes that don't have great track records of their own; deterrent and rehabilitative modes.
Agreed, from a societal perspective. From the victim's perspective, retribution just 'feels right' :)
Exactly; it feels right because retribution restores a balance between society, offender, and victim.
thank you for sharing a very useful information)
wow!! interesting idea.
Tempting, isn't it?
yeah very, very tempting.
Wow, this is truly awesome. I must watch this as soon as I arrive home!
NSA for a day. That was eerie and interesting. Now I will always second guess those wrong number calls.
Yeah, phones like any technology can be hacked. They contain cameras, microphones, GPS locators, and a host of other sensors which can spy on the holder or those nearby.