Apple is tracking iPhones stolen from its stores - CNN

Screenshots of Apple's warning message started to pop up on sites such as Twitter and Reddit earlier this week amid global protests following the death of George Floyd.

Apple stores, which recently started reopening across the United States after months of closures due to the global pandemic, reported vandalism and theft at several locations, including in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

"Please return to Apple Walnut Street," read one message, referencing its Philadelphia location, posted to Twitter.

"The device has been disabled and is being tracked.

Local authorities will be alerted."

Apple (AAPL) declined to comment on matters of security.

However, the effort isn't specific to the ongoing protests.