A Virginia carpenter used Apple AirTags to help Maryland police recover 15,000 stolen construction tools worth $3-$5 million, leading to one of the largest theft busts in the region. The carpenter tracked the thieves to a storage facility, prompting a police investigation that uncovered tools stolen from various locations across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. No suspects have been charged yet, and the case involves around 80 victims.
Flight crew members recommend investing in top-rated travel tech for a comfortable and stress-free journey, including Apple AirTag for keeping track of items, a portable mini humidifier for post-flight hydration, Google Pixel Buds Pro for noise cancellation, Anker portable charger for on-the-go power, and a universal travel adapter for international charging needs.
CNET suggests unique places to put Apple AirTags beyond the usual items like wallets and keys, including inside a tent when hiking, in a jacket pocket, within luggage, in a laptop bag, and on a bicycle to help prevent loss or theft. The Find My service can be used to locate AirTags within Bluetooth range, and the article also advises against using AirTags on pets.
A 16-year-old cyclist used an Apple AirTag to locate his lost $12,000 bike at Brussels Airport after it didn't return with him from a flight. Despite frustration and unhelpful responses from the airlines involved, the family eventually found assistance from a customer care agent at Brussels Airport who used the AirTag's location to send the bike back home. United Airlines apologized for the delay and provided travel credits. The teenager was relieved to have his bike back for upcoming training.
United Airlines faced embarrassment once again when a passenger's bag went missing, despite her using an Apple AirTag to track its location. The airline initially dismissed her claims, but the AirTag showed that the bag was at the baggage reclaim center in Chicago. Frustrated, the passenger flew to Chicago herself and retrieved her bag within 30 seconds. United Airlines later apologized, reimbursed her miles, and offered a travel credit. This incident highlights the airline's poor customer service and the effectiveness of Apple AirTags in locating lost items.
Magician Danny Orleans's bag went missing at Newark Airport, containing $1,500 worth of sound equipment needed for his performance the next day. Using his Apple AirTag, he tracked down his bag on the tarmac and bought a new plane ticket to re-enter the terminal. After spotting his bag through a window, he alerted a United employee who retrieved it. Despite the inconvenience, Orleans made it to his trade show and praised the effectiveness of Apple AirTags in locating his belongings. United Airlines refunded the cost of the extra ticket.
A man armed with a knife attempted to steal a woman's car in the drive-thru of a Taco Bell in Lincoln, Nebraska. He later successfully stole a car from two teens at a nearby Yogurtini. Police were able to track the stolen car using an Apple AirTag and arrested the suspect, 30-year-old Kyle Christen, on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery, and two counts of using a weapon to commit a felony.
Google's upcoming tracking device, which will compete with Apple's AirTag, will be called the "Nest Locator Tag" and will use UWB Bluetooth to help users keep track of their belongings. The icon for the device was discovered on an official Google-owned page, and it appears to be a repurposed design from the Nest Secure Tags. An official announcement is expected soon.
New York City will distribute 500 free Apple AirTags to residents to combat the rise in car thefts, with a focus on precincts with the highest number of grand larceny auto thefts. The GPS tracking devices can be hidden in a vehicle and will automatically trace it if it is stolen. The AirTags were donated by a local nonprofit, and the NYPD’s Crime Prevention Unit is working on a plan for equitable distribution. Car thefts in the city have risen by over 13% this year, with the 43rd Precinct in The Bronx hit particularly hard.
A family in California was able to retrieve their stolen $3,000 e-bike with the help of an Apple AirTag tracking device. After placing the device on the bike, the family was able to track it to an apartment complex and confront the thief. The Orange County Sheriff's Office reminded residents to let law enforcement handle stolen item recovery.
A family in California was able to retrieve their stolen $3,000 e-bike with the help of an Apple AirTag tracking device. After placing the AirTag on the bike, the family tracked it to an apartment complex and had a "brief confrontation" with the thief. The Orange County Sheriff's Office reminded residents to let law enforcement handle stolen item recovery.
A man suspected of stealing a truck in San Antonio was shot and killed by the truck's owner after being tracked down using an Apple Airtag. The owners found the truck at a shopping center and decided to confront the suspect before police arrived. One of the owners attempted to confront the suspect, at which point police believe the suspect may have pulled out a firearm. The owner then shot and killed the suspect inside the stolen truck. The man killed was identified as 44-year-old Andrew John Herrera and ruled his death a homicide.
A man in Texas used an Apple AirTag to track down his stolen truck and allegedly shot the suspected thief dead. The victim, Andrew John Herrera, died of a gunshot wound to the head. Police found bullet casings and two cars with windows shot out at the scene of the confrontation. The incident is still under investigation, and officials have not named the alleged gunman. Apple condemned the use of its technology for violence and emphasized that AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track people or another person’s property.
A man in San Antonio, Texas, used an Apple AirTag to track down his stolen truck and allegedly killed the thief. The truck's owner tracked the vehicle nearly 20 miles from where it was stolen using the AirTag. The alleged thief was unaware that the vehicle was being tracked. Police found several bullet casings and two cars with their windows shot out. Apple has previously stated that it works with law enforcement to track down AirTags used for criminal purposes. Authorities are determining if the suspect will be charged in the fatal shooting.
A man in San Antonio, Texas, used an Apple AirTag to track down his stolen truck and allegedly killed the thief. The truck's owner used the tracking device to locate the vehicle nearly 20 miles from where it was stolen. The alleged thief was unaware that the vehicle was being tracked. Police found several bullet casings and two cars with their windows shot out. Officials are determining if the suspect will be charged in the fatal shooting. A spokesperson for Apple has condemned the malicious use of their products and stated that they work with law enforcement to track down AirTags used for criminal purposes.
