Apple iPhone 5 Launch: NYPD starts campaign to help recover lost, stolen cellphones

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - The New York City Police Department is launching its own campaign Friday in conjunction with the launch of Apple's new iPhone 5 to help victims recover their lost or stolen phones.

Officers will be stationed at 21 stores throughout the city, including the six Apple stores as well as seven Verizon and eight AT&T stores as part of "Operation ID," which is free to the public.

Officers will register the serial number of the electronic device along with the owner's name and contact information. Items can also be engraved with a unique serial number.

New iPhone owners will also be instructed in how to install and activate "Find My iPhone" technology that is helpful in recovering lost or stolen iPhones.