Apple blocks iPhone smartphones stolen from company stores during riots, CNN reported.

According to it, the company sends a warning to the stolen smartphones with a request to return the device to the store.

"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 has opened dozens of stores in the US since mid-May that were temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outlets in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington were looted.

In Minnesota and many other states, mass protests and riots have taken place in recent days following the death of African-American George Floyd. According to CNN, 9,839 people were detained during demonstrations and riots.