Using Apple AirTags to locate your stolen car is a good idea, unless you recover it yourself

When Apple presented the AirTag in 2021, no one could have anticipated the multiple uses that would be made of this small accessory designed to "track the most precious everyday objects".

House keys, wallet, even the recently stolen car. With the encouragement of law enforcement, many AirTag owners in the United States are using these devices to locate their stolen vehicle and alert law enforcement. However, a problem arises: some decide to take justice into their own hands and act alone, with tragic consequences.

When the police give Airtags to hide them in the car

Apple's AirTags have become a valuable ally of authorities in locating stolen vehicles. This increase in car thefts has made AirTags an effective tool for finding vehicles, thanks to the collaboration of owners who are the only ones who can access their location.

Law enforcement authorities have adopted modern methods to combat auto theft in the 21st century. Using AirTags concealed in vehicles, drones and StarChase technology, along with traditional law enforcement methods, they are able to safely recover stolen cars. #GSD  pic.twitter.com/fTfk8p4lye

— NYPD Chief of Department (@NYPDChiefOfDept)  April 30, 2023

New York City police recently took action to combat auto theft by giving out free AirTags to drivers . These small devices can be hidden in vehicles and allow police to quickly locate stolen cars.

Car thefts have been on the rise, partly due to the influence of social media. A TikTok challenge has shown how easy it is to steal cars from brands like Kia and Hyundai using a screwdriver and a USB cable , with significant financial consequences for those brands.

The decision by the police departments has caused controversy, as thieves also use this accessory to track down cars and steal them , as also happens in the United States. In addition, in some cases, victims of thefts decide to go directly to the location indicated by their application, thus confronting the thieves without waiting for the intervention of the police.

Unfortunately, this approach has already led to tragedies, with at least two cases reported in the United States in recent months. For example, on March 29 in San Antonio, a man shot and killed his car thief after locating his stolen vehicle using an Apple AirTag, without waiting for police to arrive.

Last February , in Denver, a young boy of 12 lost his life in tragic circumstances. It all started when someone decided to drive after their stolen Audi Q3, believing that the police response was insufficient. Unfortunately, this confrontation degenerated into an exchange of fire, resulting in the death of the young boy.

This situation is particularly concerning, as the police encourage citizens to take measures to protect their property, which can potentially make problems worse. It should be noted that in this country the Constitution guarantees the right to own and carry firearms.