This is so freakin funny. Dumb crooks are my favorite. Though upsetting that Microsoft weren't very helpfull

Story Here (http://www.techshout.com/gaming/2007/10/new-zealand-based-xbox-360-thief-contacts-microsoft-after-stealing-the-console/)

A 14-year-old boy stole an Xbox 360 and then tried to play it safe as well.

The youngster residing in Wellington, New Zealand, apparently not only stole the Xbox 360 gaming console, but also went ahead and tried to register the console with Microsoft so that he could play the games online. What’s more, he also ordered an extra set of cables. The incident took place on January 23, 2007, where the accused had stolen items worth $700 (approx. Rs. 30,000) from a property in Mt. Victoria.

If you are stunned by this bit of the news, there’s something more shocking awaiting you. Interestingly, the New Zealand police could arrest him, only two weeks later but didn’t as Microsoft did not want to disclose any personal details of its clients. Microsoft had the young lads name, address and phone number, but would not reveal the information to the police. It also stated that being a United States-based company, it was not bound to New Zealand laws.

The victim of the theft is furious as Microsoft knew the man’s details but refused to disclose it, especially given that others may also have been burgled by the same accused.

“This will happen again if they don’t change their ways,” he said. “They knew it was stolen, and they just did nothing.”

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd differed on this saying, “Microsoft was acting within its rights and had no legal obligation to help. Microsoft haven’t been obstructive in any way.”

If this story is true...then I'm actually happy that MS didn't share personal information. In an age where personal privacy is basically inexistent, it is slightly reassuring knowing that some information remains confidential.

If this story is true...then I'm actually happy that MS didn't share personal information. In an age where personal privacy is basically inexistent, it is slightly reassuring knowing that some information remains confidential.

I couldn't agree more, though they should have a clause about that somewhere that pertains to theft and fraud, at which time your privacy rights should be moot

Although Microsoft doesn't seem too consumer friendly in the PC world

http://yro.slashdot.org/yro/07/02/10/2131202.shtml

It would seem that their gaming division has taken an exact opposite stance on customer issues. Likely due to the fact that they are trying to gain a foothold in consoles instead of staying on top like they are in PC software.

Either way, kudos to Microsoft for refusing this information. The whole problem is that the young man hadn't been proven of actually stealing anything yet. It was just a police suspicion which by the way isn't a conviction. I can call my local police department with a serial number of an Xbox360 and say it was stolen, have 3 friends verify it and then try to get MS to reveal information about whoever owns said serial number.

It's much in the same way that the RIAA was forced to start suing "John Doe" at IP address xxx.xxx.xx.xxx instead of getting the ISP's to reveal the private information and then suing the actual person. The RIAA had to prove their case a little bit before the information would be given. I also think the police department should have to prove their case a bit more before MS gives up this info.

I'll bet you guys anything that the police in New Zealand set up a sting operation to catch this kid when he tries to steal a new 360 with HDMI, True Dolby, a free hooker, etc. etc. that Microsoft is supposedly releasing when Satan takes over Earth. That kid will be on this forum soon enough bitching like all the other kids about HDM-your mom's ass. Good story though:)

If this story is true...then I'm actually happy that MS didn't share personal information. In an age where personal privacy is basically inexistent, it is slightly reassuring knowing that some information remains confidential.

Are you serious? Protecting the rights of a criminal... very sad day. I have heard it all :(

Are you serious? Protecting the rights of a criminal... very sad day. I have heard it all :(

he is not a criminal yet he has not been proven guilty of any crime. I dont want M$ deciding if there is enough evidence to disclose that info. I want the DA to do his work and know that he did.

I dont know anything about NZ law but if this happened in the US and the Police just requested the information I would expect MS to refuse. BUT if the police got a warrent for the information (by providing evidence to a judge who issues it) then I would expect MS to comply with that and release the information. Perhaps NZ law has a similar situation and perhaps the NZ police did not yet get the warrent.

I dont know anything about NZ law but if this happened in the US and the Police just requested the information I would expect MS to refuse. BUT if the police got a warrent for the information (by providing evidence to a judge who issues it) then I would expect MS to comply with that and release the information. Perhaps NZ law has a similar situation and perhaps the NZ police did not yet get the warrent.

This is exactly what happened. The New Zealand police apparently feel like the company should just volunteer the information when asked, but a large international company has to worry about courts and laws from many jurisdictions/countries. There is a quote in the original stuff.co.nz about NZ privacy act requiring companys to protect their customers privacy "unless it's required in order to avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law". I think MS just had a higher requirement for proving it was a criminal exception than the local police asking. Saying you need to go get a warrant isn't refusing to help, its following procedure. Would you want MS to turn over all the information they know about you to the police (or someone acting like the police) with just a phone call request?

Updated story (http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2007/02/09/microsoft-finally-helped-new-zealand-police)

I approve of the use of the word "nimrod".

I'll bet you guys anything that the police in New Zealand set up a sting operation to catch this kid when he tries to steal a new 360 with HDMI, True Dolby, a free hooker, etc. etc. that Microsoft is supposedly releasing when Satan takes over Earth. That kid will be on this forum soon enough bitching like all the other kids about HDM-your mom's ass. Good story though:)

If a free hooker comes with the new 360 im DEFINITELY getting one!

Sigh...