ALBANY, NY — Attorney General Eric Schneiderman yesterday said he has asked smartphone makers to do more to protect consumers from violent street crimes known as “Apple picking,” or cellphone thefts.

Schneiderman said he sent letters to Apple, Google, Microsoft and Samsung seeking information about security efforts. He also asked them to work with his office to find ways to reduce theft.

Chris Guttman-McCabe, of CTIA-The Wireless Association, says his group has been working with law-enforcement agencies — and has ideas for protecting consumers and drying up the aftermarket for stolen phones.