With the recent addition of Apple’s AirTag technology, criminals have been able to tag and track your cars so they can steal later, when you least expect it.

AirTags are wireless tracking devices that Apple provides for their users to easily track their items in case they ever got lost. They’re small magnetic devices, about a little bigger than a Quarter, resembling the shape of a circle with an Apple logo on it. They look like this:

Because of how small and convenient this modern technology is, thieves have been able to easily implement these trackers into acts of car theft.

The process often goes as follows:

  1. The thief would scout for a car of interest. They usually like to patrol around parking lots, or other areas where unoccupied/unaccompanied cars could be found.
  2. After finding a car that they like, the thief would place an Apple AirTag within a concealed area. Some common spots could be behind the license plate or inside the gas tank cover area, but due to how small and easy-to-place AirTags are, they could be hidden anywhere around a car.
  3. Once the tracker is placed, the thief will wait until it’s night and the car has made its way home before going there and attempting to steal the vehicle as there is often no one watching and able to intervene with the car being stolen.

Combatting AirTag Tracking

Apple has developed a way to detect and counteract tracking from unknown AirTag devices.

If you have an Apple device and have your Location Services, Bluetooth, and Tracking Notifications enabled, you will automatically be notified if there’s an AirTag that’s been moving with you. If you receive this notification, make sure you open it.

If you have an Android device, you’ll have to download an app called “Tracker Scanner” by Apple on the Play Store, though you’ll have manually scan for AirTags nearby as the app does not support background scanning.

You can then play a sound by tapping the “Play Sound” button on your device to assist you in locating the AirTag.

Once the AirTag is found, you can shut them off by:

  1. Pushing down and twisting counterclockwise on the back of the AirTag to take the cover off
  2. Removing the battery to prevent the device from communicating its location

It is also recommended that you report this to the police or local authorities to help ensure that you and your vehicle are kept safe.

Conclusion:

Have you found an AirTag on your car? Act quickly and call the police.

Criminals will mark your car with well-hidden AirTags if they plan to steal it.

When your vehicle is marked, criminals will often wait until night before they go to its location and steal it while you’re asleep.

Sounds scary?

Here’s how to know you’re being tracked, and how to act against it:

    • If you’re using an Apple device and have your Location Services, Bluetooth, and Tracking Notifications enabled, you will receive a notification if an AirTag has been detected moving with you. If you receive this notification, make sure you open it.
    • If you’re using an Android device, you’ll have to install “Tracker Scanner” from the Play Store and start a manual scan for AirTags.
  2. If an AirTag has been detected, you can tap the “Play sound” button on your device to help you look for the AirTag
  3. Once the AirTag is found, push down and twist counterclockwise on the back of the AirTag and remove the batteries.
  4. After doing so, contact your local authorities to ensure you and your car are kept safe.