[rhuppert]

There are apps as you describe.

A better solution would be to render the device inoperable after it has been reported stolen. I hate to be a cynic, but it seems Apple, AT&T, Verizon and others are resistant to this not because it is difficult to accomplish, but due to lower revenue possibly.

Frankly, more people are getting assaulted and injured due to smart phone thefts, and while I do blame the perpetrators, I also find inaction on the part of smart phone vendors abhorrent.

FYI, I've lived in Oakland over 30 years and have not been robbed yet. Not to say it won't happen, but people on their phones are generally more oblivious to their surroundings than usual. Oakland has its problems, but it gets an inordinate amount of this type of bad press that greases the public fear wheel.

[SiVal]

an inordinate amount of this type of bad press

So, what would be a more appropriate amount and type of press for the violent robbery capital of the country?

[mikeash]

I'm afraid your cynicism is at least partially misplaced. Apple has now made it so that iPhones can do exactly what you say. If it's protected with a passcode already, you can't wipe the device. If it's not, you can remotely lock it until and unless you recover it. See: http://www.apple.com/icloud/find-my-iphone.html