In a bid to curb the rising trend of high-end vehicle theft, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is suggesting that car owners utilize Apple’s AirTags. These tiny, affordable devices can be concealed within vehicles and enable owners to track their car’s location in real time, thereby deterring theft and aiding recovery efforts.
The use of AirTags in this manner underscores the broad utility of these devices beyond merely locating lost items. The power of Apple’s Find My network, combined with the precision of the AirTag’s location tracking, could prove invaluable in preventing vehicle theft or assisting in the recovery of stolen vehicles.
AirTags utilize Bluetooth technology to communicate their location to the owner’s device. Even if a vehicle is moved, the AirTag can still relay its new location, as long as it remains within range of a device connected to the Find My network. This network encompasses millions of Apple devices worldwide, increasing the likelihood of locating a stolen vehicle.
However, privacy concerns have been raised in relation to AirTags, particularly the potential for misuse in tracking people without their consent. Apple has implemented several measures to combat this, including alerts for unknown AirTags moving with users, and periodic sounds from unidentified AirTags.
While the NYPD’s endorsement of AirTags for vehicle protection marks an innovative use of the technology, it also highlights the necessity for continued vigilance in addressing potential privacy and security concerns.
