By Lauren Fix
Some criminals use brute-force tactics, tow trucks or other crafty ways to steal vehicles, while others simply search for victims who are foolish enough to leave their keys in the car. However, some car thieves have learned to use modern technology to track and steal vehicles, usually high-end sports cars and luxury cars that will command a premium on the black market. Thieves reportedly use inexpensive wireless trackers such as Apple AirTags to locate and steal cars.
In the past, we have covered carjacking and what you should know. We want to warn you now about the wireless trackers that appear harmless, which has reportedly been growing in popularity with auto thieves.
This is very concerning. I’ll explain.
One car is stolen every 33 seconds in the USA. That’s nearly one million cars per year.
Fifty percent of stolen cars were unlocked. Fifty-eight percent of those stolen were also recovered.
Today, car thieves are thinking differently. Typically, thieves roam residential neighborhoods looking for specific models of vehicles. Now they are walking parking lots and leaving a tracking device called an Airtag on the target vehicle. Thieves then track the car using the Airtag and steal it later.
Apple and other brands make these types of tracking devices. These tags were initially meant to be used to find your keys or other items. Thieves are using these devices to steal vehicles hours or days later. Once the target vehicle is parked in a more secluded location, the thieves can use the Airtag to find that vehicle.
Then, they can steal your car or truck using various methods, such as range-extender devices, flatbed trucks, tow trucks, slim Jim’s, or by just breaking the window in a smash and grab.
The tracker allows them to plan their attacks rather than traditional methods. Thieves may not want the vehicle itself but want the catalytic converter and/or the airbags. These are a favorite of thieves, too.
Apple AirTags were released in April 2021 at a retail price of $29 each; they are compatible with iPhone models 11 through 13. Each Apple AirTag broadcasts a secure Bluetooth signal picked up by nearby devices in the Find My network, such as iPhones and iPads. Those devices send the AirTag’s location to iCloud servers, where the owner can view it on a map. Although Bluetooth has a relatively short range, you can still find an AirTag that’s many miles away as long as there’s another compatible Apple device in the vicinity.
Apple is careful to note that it designed AirTags to prevent unwanted tracking: “If someone else’s AirTag finds its way into your stuff, your iPhone will notice it’s traveling with you and send you an alert. After a while, if you still haven’t found it, the AirTag will start playing a sound to let you know it’s there. Of course, if you happen to be with a friend who has an AirTag, or on a train with many people with AirTags, it may bring attention to the tag. These alerts are triggered only when an AirTag is separated from its owner.
Suppose you have a newer iPhone and receive an unexpected AirTag notification when you approach your vehicle or other valuable property. In that case, this may be a warning sign that it’s being tracked.
Keep in mind that if you have an Android phone or an iPhone, that’s too old to detect the AirTag, only the sound from the tag would aid in its detection. If the sound is muffled or disabled by a malicious user, it may be challenging to find an unwanted AirTag.
Although car thieves are reportedly using AirTags, they’re also being used by owners to safeguard against theft. Think of it as a budget LoJack. If your car is stolen, you could check the tag’s location to help police track it down.
Recently, several individuals have reported that they could recover vehicles this way, ranging from a Subaru to an electric scooter. One sergeant from the Houston Police Department said these tracking devices are helping the police department retrieve people’s stolen property.
The problem is it’s impossible to build a tool that is designed to track down stolen items without also creating the perfect tool for stalking.
Here’s some advice to safeguard your vehicles against theft:
- If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage. Most vehicles are stolen from a driveway.
- Don’t ever leave your keys in the car, even at home.
- Install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys.
- Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are correctly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Learn the system so it can be reviewed and accessed easily.
- Inspect your vehicle regularly and call the police if you notice any suspicious potential tracking devices.
The Bottom Line
This is more than a public service announcement. Think about all the evil uses for wireless tracking for a moment. They can track you and your kids, too. Evil people are using smart devices for the wrong reasons. Has this ever happened to you? Tell us your story in the comments below.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
