NYPD asks people to put Apple AirTags in their cars to help find stolen vehicles

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his police division have requested residents to assist combat automobile theft within the metropolis by putting Apple AirTags of their vehicles.

AirTags are small, round monitoring units that enable customers to observe the placement of their belongings by the “Find My” app on their iPhones. If a automobile is stolen with an AirTag inside, residents will be capable of monitor their automobile and work with law enforcement officials to recuperate it.

“It’s a really amazing piece of ingenuity,” Adams mentioned at a press convention Sunday.

Apple sells AirTags beginning at $29, and Adams mentioned a nonprofit group in New York has donated 500 of the units to distribute to residents without cost.

The New York City Police Department shared a video Sunday demonstrating how residents can use an AirTag to guard their autos. Jeffrey Maddrey, the chief of the division, wrote in a tweet that the “21st century calls for 21st century policing.”

“AirTags in your car will help us recover your vehicle if it’s stolen,” the NYPD tweet mentioned. “We’ll use our drones, our StarChase technology & good old fashion police work to safely recover your stolen car. Help us help you, get an AirTag”

Adams mentioned Kia, Hyundai and Honda autos have been significantly susceptible to theft, partially due to a development circulating on TikTok.

In an April press launch, Adams mentioned New York City noticed an 890% improve in Kia thefts on the finish of final 12 months and a 766% improve in Hyundai thefts within the previous months. The metropolis has joined a nationwide lawsuit that goals to carry the automobile producers accountable for failing to put in customary anti-theft measures in sure fashions.

Adams mentioned Sunday that AirTags are an “excellent” monitoring gadget that he believes will assist gradual charges of automobile theft within the metropolis.

“Using technology to fight crime, protect people, save property is the direction this administration and this police department is going in,” Adams mentioned Sunday.