New York City's new tool to stop car thefts: Apple AirTags
CBSN
New York City is adding a new weapon to its crime-fighting arsenal: Apple AirTags.
At least some people are eligible to receive the free bluetooth-powered tracking devices to combat a spike in car thefts in the five boroughs, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Sunday. The city will distribute 500 of the devices, donated by the Association for a Better New York, to residents, including in the Bronx where car thefts rose 19.4% from this time last year, NYPD data shows. Citywide, the number of stolen vehicles has climbed from 3,756 to 4,184, up 11.4%, over that same time span.
"It allows our officers to be more strategic while mitigating pursuits, keeping us safe and keeping the community safe," NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said of the AirTags. "Hopefully we recover your car undamaged, we take a bad guy off the streets, and you get a car back to conduct your business and it doesn't impose on your life."
