With crimes against teens for their mobile phones and MP3 players on the up in the UK, the USA is also experiencing a similar rise. iPods in particular are a sought after loot as they are small, recognisable and easy to pass on for a decent price.

Anyone that steals an iPod won’t have any problems in selling it later.

Earlier this week in San Diego, two men threatened to shoot a teenager in order to steal his iPod from him, such was their desire to make some quick cash from the robbery. The teen in question was 16, and was on his way home from school at 3pm in Carlsbad, North County.

Two men drove up to the teen as he made his way home, listing to his iPod, and jumped out of the car demanding he hand over his music player. The teenager cried for help, prompting the men to threaten to shoot him.

Luckily for the teen, the men fled leaving him unharmed. Police later caught the two men, identified as Robby Leverton, 27, and Michael Leone, 23.

This again shows the dangers of listening to your iPod in public. You need to be wary of who is around you and what is happening. Don’t flash your latest MP3 player around like a status symbol because you could be attracted some unwanted attention.