Australian Apple store staff sacked in photo-sharing scandal

Staff at Australia's Brisbane Apple store have been fired after they were caught stealing and rating customers' pictures as part of a photo-sharing scandal.

News Corp reported on Thursday that dozens of photos were taken of female staff and customers while others were lifted from some Apple customers' phones, it has emerged.

The issue came to light after a staff member at the Carindale store noticed a technician looking through a customer's phone in the repair room.

One Apple staff member told News Corp that they were concerned that the "disgusting" practice was occurring at other stores.

As part of the scandal, photos of both customers and staff were taken without their knowledge and their bodies were ranked from one to 10.

In a statement, Apple confirmed the Carindale store was under investigation and that related staff had been fired.

"Apple believes in treating everyone equally and with respect, and we do not ­tolerate behaviour that goes against our values," the statement read.

"We are investigating a ­violation of Apple's business conduct policy at our store in Carindale, where several employees have already been terminated as a result of our findings."

A spokeswoman for Queensland Police told News Corp she was aware of media reports surrounding the store but an investigation has not yet been launched. Enditem