Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Payday: The Heist announced, hopes to steal your free time on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/payday-the-heist-announced-hopes-to-steal-your-free-time-on-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/payday-the-heist-announced-hopes-to-steal-your-free-time-on-ps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/payday-the-heist-announced-hopes-to-steal-your-free-time-on-ps/#comments The Official PlayStation Blog has announced a brand new title called Payday: The Heist, a downloadable first-person shooter for PSN built around a series of six high-stakes robberies. With AI or fellow co-op players, you'll charge into banks, prisons, and armored cars to get the goods and get out as alive as possible. The graphics look ... serviceable, but there's supposed to be some depth here too, with three classes to play with, and an experience-based upgrade system to unlock new weapons and other accessories.

The game's being developed by Overkill Software, and all we know about them is they're run by Bo Andersson, a Swedish developer from Grin, the company that developed Bionic Command: Rearmed and the PC ports for Tom Clancy's GRAW and its sequel. So there's a little pedigree here to begin with. We'll have to see how the game looks in full action later next week at E3.

JoystiqPayday: The Heist announced, hopes to steal your free time on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbo-anderssonfirst-person-shootergrinoverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistplaystationps3robberysonyFri, 03 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online gambling group robbed of 125 billion ISK and a friend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/eve-online-gambling-group-robbed-of-125-billion-isk-and-a-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/eve-online-gambling-group-robbed-of-125-billion-isk-and-a-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/eve-online-gambling-group-robbed-of-125-billion-isk-and-a-friend/#comments Much of EVE Online's MMO gameplay is governed by the in-game economy, and whenever you've got large amounts of virtual money (ISK, in EVE's terms) passed around, you're going to have a little theft from time to time. It happened again just recently, when a group of players called Somer.Blink (named after founder Somer), who'd been running some in-game lotteries, had 125 billion ISK worth of cash and items stolen out of one of their in-game safehouses. Like most MMO schemes of this nature, someone had access who shouldn't have, and in this case it was a player called Daquaris. Daq, as his former friends call him, had been a trusted member of an in-game alliance a while ago, and was one of the players responsible for handing out lottery prizes. He decided to end that trust, though -- he grabbed the items and cash out of the group's Jita hangar and split, eventually selling it back to the group for billions of ISK in ransom.

Don't worry about Somer.Blink, though -- they're actually pretty blasé about the crime, and say they're more bummed about the lost friend than the lost materials. "Had Daq asked for exactly the things he had stolen, Somer would have given them unflinchingly, without a doubt," says one member of the group. "Blink can always earn more ISK, it's the loss of someone we trusted as a valued part of the business, and a long time friend." Go figure -- in a game mostly about spaceships and spreadsheets, turns out it's the people who matter most.

JoystiqEVE Online gambling group robbed of 125 billion ISK and a friend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpeve-onlineiskmmopcrobberytheftThu, 18 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dumbest kids in the universe rob gas station for money to buy 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dumbest-kids-in-the-universe-rob-gas-station-for-money-to-buy-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dumbest-kids-in-the-universe-rob-gas-station-for-money-to-buy-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/dumbest-kids-in-the-universe-rob-gas-station-for-money-to-buy-36/#comments According to a report from a Bellevue, WA news station, four boys, ages 11 through 15, were recently charged with armed robbery after allegedly holding up a local Chevron Food Stop using an airsoft pistol. The goal of their crime of the century was to yoink enough money to purchase an Xbox 360. According to the police report, the boys got away with around $200 -- just enough to purchase a 360 Arcade and no games -- before being caught by an officer shortly thereafter. The amount of thought that went into this thing is just staggering.

By a stroke of coincidence, four men across town were apprehended after robbing a local GameStop to garner money with which to purchase Slurpees and Taco Dogs at a nearby Speedway. More at eleven.

JoystiqDumbest kids in the universe rob gas station for money to buy 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bellevuecrimekidsmcgruff-the-crime-dog-is-disappointed-in-yourobberyteenstheftwashingtonFri, 22 Jan 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Even burglars enjoy playing DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/even-burglars-enjoy-playing-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/even-burglars-enjoy-playing-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/even-burglars-enjoy-playing-ds/#comments We're not experienced in the crafty art of breaking and entering, but we certainly understand the draw of games. That's why this story out of a Chicago suburb really didn't surprise us so much. See, some guy broke into a young woman's apartment over the weekend and proceeded to steal her stuff, but upon seeing her DS, took a break from his heinous law-breaking to check out what the handheld had to offer.

It gets even more interesting, though. While he was engrossed in whatever DS game she had in the system, she ended up coming home from running errands, spooking the burglar. He then made off with only her pink iPod Touch, leaving her with a ransacked house and, thankfully, her DS system. We just hope he at least had the decency to not save over her game.

[Via Yahoo; thanks, Greg D]

JoystiqEven burglars enjoy playing DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglaryillinoisjolietrobberytheftMon, 04 Jan 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Using only words, man steals nearly $7000 of GameStop merchandise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/using-only-words-man-steals-nearly-7000-of-gamestop-merchandis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/using-only-words-man-steals-nearly-7000-of-gamestop-merchandis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/using-only-words-man-steals-nearly-7000-of-gamestop-merchandis/#comments It's totally possible at this point that a strange ploy to keep us writing about Modern Warfare 2 at least four to five times per day exists. WPXI in Pittsburgh today reports that Western Pennsylvanian police are still looking for a man who robbed a Meadville, Pa. GameStop of 100 copies of the game (and "a few other items") last Tuesday evening. According to the report, the man told the store clerks that his friend outside would shoot them if they called the police.

Okay, first things first - how did he carry them out? 100 copies of the game, all by himself?! Those cellophane-covered boxes can get slippery when they're all stacked up! Assuming the games are in a box, that'd still be awfully cumbersome to maneuver out of a store. Second of all, where is this GameStop that has plenty of extra copies of any game on launch day? This whole thing stinks! Stinks, we say!

[Thanks, Yahya]

JoystiqUsing only words, man steals nearly $7000 of GameStop merchandise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2gamestopmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2pennyslvaniarobberythieveswpxiFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Men dressed as Mario and Luigi rob a cab driver]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/men-dressed-as-mario-and-luigi-rob-a-cab-driver/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/men-dressed-as-mario-and-luigi-rob-a-cab-driver/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/men-dressed-as-mario-and-luigi-rob-a-cab-driver/#comments While it's unbelievably tempting to litter this piece with allusions to the various Mario and Luigi properties, we're instead going to bite our tongues and tell the story of some less-than-gentlemanly gents who beat and robbed a NYC cabbie at 4AM on November 1. According to police reports, the cabbie stopped his car at a gas station when one of the four patrons attempted to steal money out of his pocket. He asked the men to pay their fare and get out, which resulted in the attack.

In the video found on the NY Daily News website, two men dressed as Mario and Luigi can be seen assaulting the cab driver while another person in their party stands about, presumably watching for interference. The men are still at large and police are asking those with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, log onto NYPD Crime Stoppers, or text 274637 then enter "TIP577."

[Image credit: Bob Dob]
[Via GamePolitics]

[Thanks, Adam]

JoystiqMen dressed as Mario and Luigi rob a cab driver originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimehalloweenluigimariomario-and-luigimario-brosny-daily-newsrobberyviolenceFri, 13 Nov 2009 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida fugitive apprehended after attempting to steal DS games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/florida-fugitive-apprehended-after-attempting-to-steal-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/florida-fugitive-apprehended-after-attempting-to-steal-ds-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/florida-fugitive-apprehended-after-attempting-to-steal-ds-games/#comments
 A loss prevention specialist in a Florida Wal-Mart bagged themselves quite the trophy shoplifter this past week -- a fugitive named Daniel Larson, who was wanted for violating probation after a 2006 armed robbery charge. After being arrested and charged with larceny earlier in the month, he was released after presenting authorities with a fake I.D., and was placed on top of the Cape Coral, FL "Most Wanted" list.

His illicitly acquired freedom came to a sudden halt following his attempt to shoplift $120 worth of Nintendo DS titles from a local Wal-Mart. A loss prevention officer noticed the odd, rectangular shapes jutting out of his pants, and subdued him until authorities arrived. During police questioning, Larson claimed he was stealing the games to support his heroin addiction.

Then again, we wonder if that's really the true story. "Please, man," Larson might have said to the arresting officer, "don't tell them about my insatiable addiction for Imagine: Babyz games. I know! You could say I planned on pawning them to buy heroin! Please, come on, man. This would absolutely ruin me."
[Image]
[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqFlorida fugitive apprehended after attempting to steal DS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeDSfloridanintendorobberyshopliftingwal-martSun, 27 Sep 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop robbery foiled by ceiling, locks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/gamestop-robbery-foiled-by-ceiling-locks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/gamestop-robbery-foiled-by-ceiling-locks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/gamestop-robbery-foiled-by-ceiling-locks/#comments
How can we tell that the dude who attempted to rob a Pittsburgh GameStop last night is a real gamer? Just look at his methods: The would-be burglar climbed through air ducts and in through the ceiling of the store, Sam Fisher-style. But when he realized that both the front and back doors of the building were locked, he retreated through the same vent.

A Nintendo Game Counselor consulted about the crime said that if the thief had looked inside the glowing sphere in the corner of the store, he would have found a blue key for the door. Ouch, random criminal, so close.

[Thanks, David]

JoystiqGameStop robbery foiled by ceiling, locks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimegamestoprobberytheftTue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Attempted GameStop robbery ends safely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/attempted-gamestop-robbery-ends-safely/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/attempted-gamestop-robbery-ends-safely/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/attempted-gamestop-robbery-ends-safely/#commentsIn one of the happier endings we've seen regarding attempted robbery and video games of late, two suspects were arrested with no shots fired during a one-hour standoff with police outside of a GameStop in Solon, Ohio this past Saturday night. According to local reports, London McArthur and Javon Greer, both 19, entered the Cleveland-area GameStop around 7:30PM, brandishing a bb gun and "a pistol" in an attempt to rob the store. By 8:30PM they were exiting the store into the welcoming arms of local police.

Unfortunately for the GameStop in question, this marked the second robbery in less than two months, with thieves previously making off with a slew of Xbox 360 games and about $3500 in cash. Both new suspects have been charged with one count of aggravated robbery and one count of kidnapping, presumably for holding employees inside during the standoff. They've also been charged with third-degree stupidity, we hope.

If you're a concerned GameStop customer, we'd humbly suggest you investigate "The Internet." There aren't any armed robbers there and the games are (generally speaking) less expensive. What have you got to lose?

[Via Nintendo Everything]

JoystiqAttempted GameStop robbery ends safely originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopohiorobberyWiiburglarMon, 02 Feb 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Man shot for his Wii in home invasion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/man-shot-for-his-wii-in-home-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/man-shot-for-his-wii-in-home-invasion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/man-shot-for-his-wii-in-home-invasion/#commentsFiled under:

During a recent home invasion at an apartment complex in Palm Beach County, Florida, a man was brutally beat and shot in the bicep by multiple assailants. They sought a variety of his valuables, demanding jewelry, money, and other items from the victim before attacking. In the end, the robbers made off with about $70 and his Nintendo Wii.

The two individuals could not be identified by the victim, who was last listed as stable in St. Mary's Hospital. The two robbers made their way into the apartment through an unlocked door. It goes to show that if you live in an apartment, always lock your door. Also, don't let anyone see you throwing away a Wii box.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMan shot for his Wii in home invasion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultattackfloridapalm-beachrobberytheftWed, 14 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Job seekers nab Wii from retirement home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/job-seekers-nab-wii-from-retirement-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/job-seekers-nab-wii-from-retirement-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/job-seekers-nab-wii-from-retirement-home/#commentsFiled under:

You can't get much lower than this. A retirement home in Ottawa, Ohio, was recently robbed for its Wii. Two women walked into the retirement home, seeking job applications, but ended up leaving with more than a job. They nabbed the home's Wii console. As one might imagine, the folks at the home enjoy playing Wii Sports, particularly the Bowling and Baseball games.

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. Several of the home's inhabitants were able to identify the two women, and police were able to track them down and recover the Wii.

See also: Children's home robbed, local businessman replaces stolen Wii

JoystiqJob seekers nab Wii from retirement home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>retirement-homerobberytheftwii-sportsThu, 08 Jan 2009 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sacramento cops seek game store robbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/sacramento-cops-seek-game-store-robbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/sacramento-cops-seek-game-store-robbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/sacramento-cops-seek-game-store-robbers/#commentsFiled under:


Sacramento police are investigating the robberies of five game stores (three identified as GameStops) that took place over several days, each one involving employees and customers getting held up at gunpoint. Police believe the robberies may be related because in each case, "at least two men" entered with shotguns and demanded money from the store and customers.

All the robberies occurred between 6-9PM, so it's probably best to avoid game stores in the area during those hours until the criminals are caught. Police are offering a reward for helping to catch the robbers. No word if the shotgun-wielding desperadoes were asked if they'd like to pre-order anything during the commission of the crimes.

[Thanks, Kip]

JoystiqSacramento cops seek game store robbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestoprobberysacramentoWed, 31 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Thieves caught on tape stealing Wii and PS3 consoles from Gamestop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/thieves-caught-on-tape-stealing-wii-and-ps3-consoles-from-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/thieves-caught-on-tape-stealing-wii-and-ps3-consoles-from-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/thieves-caught-on-tape-stealing-wii-and-ps3-consoles-from-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: ,

A couple of criminals recently hit a Gamestop, snatching up as many Wii and PS3 consoles as their thieving little arms could carry. It's not disclosed where this Gamestop is located, so we can't pinpoint the place this robbery occurred, but know that these two dudes made off with quite a considerable amount of consoles. Sadly, the authorities have not caught up to these two yet. So much for a happy ending, eh?

Head past the break to see the store surveillance footage catching them in the act.

Continue reading Thieves caught on tape stealing Wii and PS3 consoles from Gamestop

JoystiqThieves caught on tape stealing Wii and PS3 consoles from Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopgamestop-robberynintendo-wiips3robberysonysony-ps3theftthieveswiiThu, 18 Dec 2008 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Thief says PS3 needed to stop hostage situation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/thief-says-ps3-needed-to-stop-hostage-situation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/thief-says-ps3-needed-to-stop-hostage-situation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/14/thief-says-ps3-needed-to-stop-hostage-situation/#commentsFiled under:


There are stories about stolen PS3s ... and then there's this story. A man who stole a PS3 system from a St. Louis EB Games store at gunpoint told the clerk that he needed the system to "save his family." According to KSDK, the theif told the clerk that "his family was being held hostage" and only the PS3 would save them.

The police arrived shortly after the incident, but the thief had already vanished. Was he a real victim of a hostage situation -- or was he a thief that just wanted to tell an interesting story? Until the police find him, we'll never really know.

[Thanks, Gambit07!]

JoystiqThief says PS3 needed to stop hostage situation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hostageps3robberythiefThu, 14 Aug 2008 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Men plot Wii crime, make off with console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/men-plot-wii-crime-make-off-with-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/men-plot-wii-crime-make-off-with-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/men-plot-wii-crime-make-off-with-console/#commentsFiled under:

As if our faith in humanity wasn't low enough, we had to stumble upon this story about a Wii robbery in Wilmington, Delaware. The apocalypse must be closing in.

You see, a 41-year-old man had set up to sell his Wii (we have no idea why he would do such a crazy thing, but go figure) at a parking lot (using craigslist?) to 19 year-old Darryl Cebenka, when, during the transaction, another hooded individual robbed both men of Wii and money.

Apparently, the robbery was staged and the hooded individual was the 19-year-old's accomplice, 20-year-old Rocco Grossi. They both made off with the Wii and have been charged with a robbery conspiracy. Sadly, both men are still at large.

See also: Would-be Wii thief welcomed with a beatdown

JoystiqMen plot Wii crime, make off with console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robberytheftFri, 18 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Teen thwarts PS3 theft with samurai sword]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/samurai-teenager-defends-ps3-against-theft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/samurai-teenager-defends-ps3-against-theft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/samurai-teenager-defends-ps3-against-theft/#commentsFiled under:

In what has to be the most bizarre botched PS3 robbery to date, a teenager in Hialeah, FL fended off a burglar with a samurai sword. Last week, Damian Fernandez and his 15-year-old sister Deanne were home alone when the burglars knocked and then forced their entry into the house. While sis hid in a closet, Damian decided to take matters into his own hands. After the burglars ransacked their parents bedroom and were confiscating the empty PS3 box from Deanne's bedroom, Damian struck one of the burglars "in the chest" and proceeded to chase him down the street, sword poised to strike. Hmmm ... so the PS3 was in her room and yet, he chased the burglars down the street with a sword? Wow. That's once crazy, nice big brother.

Come to think of it, unless you're in the Hewitt household or perhaps inside a novelty shop in L.A., samurai swords that are easily accessible are often a rarity inside homes where kids are left without adult supervision. Unfortunately for these burglars, they knocked on such a house an nearly met an untimely demise, courtesy of Samurai Jack Damian Fernandez. Anyone else preparing to run to a pawn shop for one of these bad boys? We know, it's crazy to think something like this could happen again ... but you never know.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqTeen thwarts PS3 theft with samurai sword originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brown beltBrownBeltdamian fernandezDamianFernandezdeanne fernandezDeanneFernandezhialeahrobberysamurai swordSamuraiSwordtheftTue, 12 Jun 2007 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroic gamer gets well, discharged from hospital]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/heroic-gamer-gets-well-discharged-from-hospital/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/heroic-gamer-gets-well-discharged-from-hospital/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/04/heroic-gamer-gets-well-discharged-from-hospital/#commentsFiled under:

Remember that British gamer Adam Mapleson who was shot breaking up a robbery at a train station last week? Well, he was discharged from the hospital, according to The Register, and has returned home after a week of treatment. The security firm that employed the lady who was being robbed, Loomis, is offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the thieves that shot Adam. You can see some rough drawings of the suspects here.

The story also points to an online Get Well card set up by the folks who frequent the Pure Pwnage forums. If you want to leave Adam a message, your best bet for him to receive it would be to post there.

JoystiqHeroic gamer gets well, discharged from hospital originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbritishgamerheroicgamerregisterrobberyshootingshotMon, 04 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroic gamer breaks up robbery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/heroic-gamer-breaks-up-robbery/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/heroic-gamer-breaks-up-robbery/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/heroic-gamer-breaks-up-robbery/#commentsFiled under:

When we think of gaming heroes, dudes who can rock a Pac-Man or create some of the industry's greatest games come to mind. That's all changed now, thanks to the heroic, selfless sacrifice of Adam Mapleson, a 24-year old IT consultant and avid gamer. Yesterday, at a train station, Adam sprung into action as two armed thugs robbed a female security officer.

Diving to tackle the escaping men, Adam was shot in the chest at very close range. Laying there helpless and in dire need of aid, he was eventually brought to the hospital, where he now resides under the status of "serious but stable." Even though Adam failed to stop the robbers, who got away from the scene, Adam risked his own life to ensure that no one else was injured.

Our thoughts are with you, Adam, so rest up and get better.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqHeroic gamer breaks up robbery originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itnintendonintendowiirobberyshootingshotukwiiTue, 29 May 2007 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Thief denied PS3, gets Xbox 360 instead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/thief-denied-ps3-gets-xbox-360-instead/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/thief-denied-ps3-gets-xbox-360-instead/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/thief-denied-ps3-gets-xbox-360-instead/#commentsFiled under:

A robbery at a UK Blockbuster didn't go off as planned when the thief requested a PLAYSTATION 3 and ended up settling for an Xbox 360. The two Blockbuster employees working at the store were apparently approached by the suspect, who brandished a gun and asked for money from the registers. Afterwards, his request for a PLAYSTATION 3 unit was denied, due to the store "not having one available". So he asked for an Xbox 360 and grabbed nearly $800.00 in Xbox 360 games before exiting the store. Police didn't arrive on the scene for almost 20 minutes after the call, due to an address mixup.

Seems to go against the grain of reports that PS3s are stocked and widely available. Perhaps a price cut would alleviate threats of future robberies like this? Let's hope so, but don't hold your breath.

[Via Xbox360 Fanboy]

JoystiqThief denied PS3, gets Xbox 360 instead originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbusterplaystation 3Playstation3ps3robberyxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 04 May 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Man tries to steal PS3, gets Xbox 360 instead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/man-tries-to-steal-ps3-gets-xbox-360-instead/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/man-tries-to-steal-ps3-gets-xbox-360-instead/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/man-tries-to-steal-ps3-gets-xbox-360-instead/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Apparently a criminal in the UK walked into a Blockbuster store and demanded a PlayStation 3 at gunpoint (they sell consoles there?!) and upon being told they didn't have any, he asked for an Xbox 360 instead. He ended up walking out with that, a few games, and some cash from the register.

What cracks us up is what must have been running through the guy's head when he heard "Sorry sir, we're out of those." He had to be thinking he couldn't just leave empty-handed. What if they'd been out of 360s, too? Would he have asked for 200 copies of The Secret?

Maybe Blockbuster should have asked him if he wanted to order his console of choice with a downpayment. After all, he had the cash.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqMan tries to steal PS3, gets Xbox 360 instead originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlockbusterPS3RobberyXbox-360Fri, 04 May 2007 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Would-be Wii thief welcomed with a beatdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/would-be-wii-thief-welcomed-with-a-beatdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/would-be-wii-thief-welcomed-with-a-beatdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/would-be-wii-thief-welcomed-with-a-beatdown/#commentsFiled under:

If you're ever looking to rob someone of their precious gaming goodies (including a Wii) whilst hanging out in Montana (do people even do that?), then you might want to give your idea of burglary some more thought. The 19 year old would-be thief didn't do that, as he was walked in on, mid-rob, by two residents of the apartment, along with a friend.

As the burglar began to bolt, apparently drunk (the only way he could muster up the courage, we'd imagine), he led them right back to his car where their Wii and other gaming goodies lay stashed. Tackling the perp to the ground, the group held him until police arrived and nabbed him.

Of course, we know any of you would do the same (or worse) ...

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqWould-be Wii thief welcomed with a beatdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglargamingnintendonintendowiirobrobberytheftwiiTue, 17 Apr 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PS2 held ransom for gas money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/28/ps2-held-ransom-for-gas-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/28/ps2-held-ransom-for-gas-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/28/ps2-held-ransom-for-gas-money/#commentsFiled under: ,

Having trouble getting your deadbeat friend to pay you the money he owes you? Just take his game system and see how fast he comes running with the cash.

That was the strategy apparently taken by an unidentified man who stole a PlayStation 2 from Des Moines resident James Kloppenburg while he slept. According to a short article in the Des Moines Register, "Kloppenburg told police he could have the game machine back if he repaid money he owed for gasoline." We can only assume that if Kloppenburg knows who he owes the gas money to, he also probably has a pretty good idea of who took his system. Still, according to the police report, Kloppenburg later decided not to press charges against the suspect.

Why drop the charges? Maybe the ransomer threatened to harm Kloppenburg's precious PS2 if he didn't back off. Maybe Kloppenburg decided to steal back his system vigilante style. Maybe Kloppenburg just paid back the gas money and now everything's hunky dory. Whatever the case, one thing's for certain -- when debts come between friends, it's always the innocent game consoles that suffer most.

JoystiqPS2 held ransom for gas money originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debtsfriendsPS2ransomrobberystoletheftWed, 28 Feb 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Man attempts to steal Wiimote, assaults security]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/man-attempts-to-steal-wiimote-assaults-security/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/man-attempts-to-steal-wiimote-assaults-security/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/20/man-attempts-to-steal-wiimote-assaults-security/#commentsFiled under: ,


Remember how we used to say that our console was the better one because it didn't incite violence among its fanbase? That was fun while it lasted. Now all we have to go on is the price and selection of games.

37-year-old Kazunari Tanaka is accused of trying to shoplift a Wiimote and a CD from a Bic Camera in Nagoya, Japan. When security guards accosted him, he (allegedly) started punching, leaving both guards injured.

We won't blame the Wii for this crime, although we're sure someone will. People shoplift every day.
The Wii doesn't inspire crimes against anything but televisions (against which it instills a murderous rage).

[Via NeoGAF; thematically appropriate image taken from this post]

JoystiqMan attempts to steal Wiimote, assaults security originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimejapannewsnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirobrobberystealtelevisionthefttvwiiwii remotewiimotewiiremoteTue, 20 Feb 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Crime spree hits New England game stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/crime-spree-hits-new-england-game-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/crime-spree-hits-new-england-game-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/14/crime-spree-hits-new-england-game-stores/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Investigators believe that the theft of $20,000 in systems and games from a Hooksett, N.H., EBGames could be connected to a string of similar thefts across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The thieves are targeting Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 systems because intense interest is driving high resale values according to a report from the Concord Monitor.

Detective Matt Fleming warned that thieves may soon expand their focus from stores to homes with new systems, warning owners to "secure them in your homes as best you can." We wouldn't be too worried though -- according to an AP report the thieves in Hooksett "tried to steal the floor model PlayStation 3 ... but couldn't get into the metal cabinet housing it." Foiled... by a kiosk!

Read - Concord Monitor report
Read - AP Report

JoystiqCrime spree hits New England game stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EBGamesPS3robberytheftthievesXboxXbox-360Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 shooter may have been running scared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/ps3-shooter-may-have-been-running-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/ps3-shooter-may-have-been-running-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/ps3-shooter-may-have-been-running-scared/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Norwich Bulletin has obtained court documents in the case of the Putnam, Conn. PS3 line robbery that show one of the suspects may have been trying to flee a murderously jealous ex-con. Seriously.

Alleged robber Andrew Patnaude said in a signed statement that a Mr. Mayheu "stuck a gun, a long-barreled revolver, in [Patnaude's] face," two nights before the robbery because Patnaude had begun dating Mayheu's girlfriend while Mayheu was in prison. What the article doesn't tell you is that the girlfriend just recently woke up from a coma believing she was her evil, half-twin Bernice.

The article also reveals portions of a 911 call made by victim Michael Penkala and testimony from a second suspect, William Robertson, who said he reluctantly took part in the robbery to help Patnaude. Because if you're not willing to help with armed robbery, what kind of a friend are you, really?

Previously on "PS3 Line Shooter Theatre":
Initial reports
More about the victim
Two suspects arrested
Third suspect arrested

JoystiqPS3 shooter may have been running scared originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connecticutPS3ps3 shooterPs3ShooterputnamrobberyTue, 12 Dec 2006 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 thefts spread across the Pacific]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/ps3-thefts-spread-across-the-pacific/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/ps3-thefts-spread-across-the-pacific/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/ps3-thefts-spread-across-the-pacific/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems that the robberies and violence surrounding the PS3 launch are not just limited to the United States. The Associated Press reported yesterday on a shipment of 180 PS3s that disappeared from the front of a Tokyo warehouse in advance of shipment to retailers. Police said a Meitetsu Golden Air Cargo employee noticed the systems were missing about four hours after they were stacked in front of the warehouse.

The crime was a bit more personal in Endeavour Hills, Australia, where the Berwick News reports a 38-year-old man was pushed to the ground and robbed of his "Playstation" while walking a suburban street at 1:30 a.m. The article doesn't specifically state that the system was a PS3, but we can't think of any reason why a man would be walking the streets with any other Playstation product in the wee hours of the Australian PS3 launch day.

In domestic PS3 crime news, a third suspect has been arrested in the shooting and attempted robbery of a Putnam, Conn. man waiting to buy four PS3s on launch day last month. Armando Guzman, 28, is being held on a $1 million bond after being charged with attempted murder, robbery, assault and other crimes. It's not yet clear what role police believe Guzman had in the crime or how he is connected to the two other men accused of the same crimes. The victim's description of the incident included only two gunmen.

Read - Playstation 3 consoles stolen from Japanese warehouse
Read - Man Robbed of Playstation
Read - Third suspect charged in Playstation shooting

JoystiqPS3 thefts spread across the Pacific originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajapanps3robberytheftviolenceWed, 06 Dec 2006 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[North Carolina deputy kills suspected PS3 thief and his dog [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/03/north-carolina-deputy-kills-suspected-ps3-thief-and-his-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/03/north-carolina-deputy-kills-suspected-ps3-thief-and-his-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/03/north-carolina-deputy-kills-suspected-ps3-thief-and-his-dog/#commentsFiled under: ,

scene of shootingA New Hanover County sheriff's deputy Friday night shot and killed a man suspected in an armed robbery of two PlayStation 3 consoles. Peyton Strickland, 18, was killed inside his rented home while unarmed, claimed one of his roommates. Authorities were serving a warrant for Strickland's arrest in connection with his suspected involvement in the theft of two PS3s from a University of North Carolina Wilmington student on November 17. A deputy also shot and killed Strickland's German shepherd outside the home.

Investigators are currently reviewing the conduct of all officers involved in the tragic incident. "No one's above the law. If there's any criminal conduct that can be established, I'm not going to hesitate to treat them as any other defendant," vowed District Attorney Ben David.

Update 1: Deputy charged with 2nd degree murder for slaying of suspected PS3 thief
Update 2: Murder charged dropped against deputy who shot suspected PS3 thief

JoystiqNorth Carolina deputy kills suspected PS3 thief and his dog [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deputyNew HanoverNewHanoverNorth CarolinaNorthCarolinaPS3robberyshootingtheftSun, 03 Dec 2006 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[73 year old grandmother shoved in PSP robbery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/73-year-old-grandmother-shoved-in-psp-robbery/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/73-year-old-grandmother-shoved-in-psp-robbery/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/28/73-year-old-grandmother-shoved-in-psp-robbery/#commentsFiled under:

A 13 year old boy was robbed of his newly purchased PSP in the once-peaceful town of Largo, Florida. A teen came up behind him, took the system, and shoved the victim's 73 year old grandmother to the floor. "I said, 'Give me my PSP back!' and I ran and I was right behind him, but I didn't do anything. I didn't know if he had a gun or not."

Tampa Bay's 10 reports that the police are still investigating the crime.

Joystiq73 year old grandmother shoved in PSP robbery originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floridagrandmotherlargorobberytampa bayTampaBayTue, 28 Nov 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[$2.1 million in Xbox 360s stolen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/2-1-million-in-xbox-360s-stolen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/2-1-million-in-xbox-360s-stolen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/2-1-million-in-xbox-360s-stolen/#commentsFiled under: ,

If only all British crime were as goofy as a Guy Ritchie movie. Over in Britain, due to the fact they don't have PS3s to shoot each other over yet, criminals have gone for the next best thing and are hijacking trucks containing Xbox 360s. So far two trucks carrying the consoles have been hit in less then a week. Both trucks hijacked were from the same firm, Hellman Worldwide Logistics, making it sound like either the hijackers liked how easy it was stealing from them the first time around, or it was an inside job.

Staffordshire police are asking for help, "We are appealing for information from anyone who is offered these games in suspicious circumstances, such as in a pub, at a car boot sale or off the back of a lorry."

We'd love to help the Staffordshire police except that we don't think the thieves will be advertising in a magazine, selling them to people who have boots on their cars -- that's already expensive enough to get off as is, right? -- or selling them off anyone named Lorry's back. What strange ways British thieves fence goods. (Rimshot)

[via Engadget]

Joystiq$2.1 million in Xbox 360s stolen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandrobberyxbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Fri, 24 Nov 2006 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop employees fake PS3 theft, face charges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/gamestop-employees-fake-ps3-theft-face-charges/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/gamestop-employees-fake-ps3-theft-face-charges/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/gamestop-employees-fake-ps3-theft-face-charges/#commentsFiled under: ,

cuffedTwo GameStop employees were arrested earlier this week in connection with the theft of four PlayStation 3 units. Tauryn Robert Hodge and Gerald Anthony Keys, both 19, face charges of suspected embezzlement, burglary, and conspiracy. Hodge has also been slapped with a charge for filing a false police report.

Last Thursday, on the eve of the PlayStation 3 launch, Hodge told police that two armed gunmen robbed his GameStop and made off with four of the coveted consoles. Despite not yet recovering the stolen PS3s, detectives have determined that Hodge and at least one other accomplice were actually the ones responsible for the theft. Both Hodge and Keys have posted bail and are no longer in police custody.

[Thanks, Esteban]

JoystiqGameStop employees fake PS3 theft, face charges originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglaryconspiracyembezzlementGameStopPS3robberyFri, 24 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Violence escalates during PS3 launch [update 9]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/17/violence-escalates-during-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/17/violence-escalates-during-ps3-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/17/violence-escalates-during-ps3-launch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday it was BB guns, today a report from a Putnam, Connecticut PS3 line involves real guns. Early this morning, two armed gunmen approached a line of PlayStation 3 hopefuls gathered outside of the Putnam, Conn., Wal-Mart, demanding money from those in line. "One of the patron's resisted. That patron was shot," police Lt. J. Paul Vance told the AP. There has been word of the victim's condition and the hunt for the two gunmen continues.

Elsewhere, in Elk Grove, California, two different gunmen walked into a GameStop yesterday morning and made off with four PS3s. No injuries were reported and the robbers are still at large.

Reports of general chaos and disorder in PS3 lines across the country have been pouring in all day. Engadget has collected links to many of them, and we'll update here with any others as we hear about them.

[Thanks to everyone who sent both these stories in.]

Read - Shot waiting in line
Read - Gunmen Steal PS3s

Continue reading Violence escalates during PS3 launch [update 9]

JoystiqViolence escalates during PS3 launch [update 9] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>launch06PS3robberyWal-MartFri, 17 Nov 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Saved by the Bell's Screech mugged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/saved-by-the-bells-screech-mugged/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/saved-by-the-bells-screech-mugged/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/saved-by-the-bells-screech-mugged/#commentsFiled under:

Dustin Diamond, aka "Screech" from the "hit" television series Saved by the Bell is going through some tough times. He hasn't had a "career" since his teen acting days, he's losing his house, and now... he's lost his precious PSP games (to quote "good games.") According to his account on a Florida radio station, a woman broke into his hotel room with some mace, grabbed his PSP games and ran out. He tried to stop her, but she yelled "rape" and ran away.

If you feel sorry for the guy, go and buy a t-shirt from him.

(This incredible non-news story was brought to you by our sister site, TV Squad. Let's never do a crossover with them ever again.)

JoystiqSaved by the Bell's Screech mugged originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustin diamondDustinDiamondfloridamacemuggedraperobberysaved by the bellSavedByTheBellscreechtv squadTvSquadWed, 09 Aug 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Pilferable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/03/playstation-pilferable/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/03/playstation-pilferable/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/03/playstation-pilferable/#commentsFiled under:

Hot on the heels of last year's observed rise of iPod theft in the UK, it seems apparent that the next gadget of choice for mugging could be the PSP. A 12-year old boy was badly injured last Friday when two teenagers grabbed his PSP right as he was leaving school. The robbery happened in Downage, a borough of Barnet in London. The boy was hospitalized following the incident and was treated for a concussion, a hand injury, and various cuts and bruises. Local authorities called the violence used in the attack "unnecessary and gratuitous".

Unfortunately, there aren't that many hard and fast rules when it comes to taking your expensive portables out in public areas. Just try to keep in mind that what you're lugging around isn't cheap, and chances are if you lose your PSP your mommy and daddy aren't going to buy you a new one. That is, unless you're spoiled rotten, in which case you can also tack on that burgeoning feeling that you're willingly setting yourself up for disappointment when you finally rejoin the real world.

[Via Hacking the PSP]

JoystiqPlayStation Pilferable originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Apr 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimelarcenylondon crimePSPPSP theftPspTheftrobberythiefMon, 03 Apr 2006 19:30:00 EST