A carpenter has provided police with the key to cracking a multi-million dollar theft case — and it all happened thanks to some hidden Apple AirTags.
The 43-year-old from Virginia, who spoke anonymously to the Washington Post, said he decided to hide the Bluetooth tracking devices – which are typically used to help people keep tabs on things like luggage and keys – after he’d been the victim of previous tool thefts.
The man hid the AirTags in his remaining tools, and when these too were taken they helped him lead police to a storage locker filled with stolen goods. The discovery led police to more locations, which in turn resulted in the recovery of tools worth a total of $3-$5 million, per a Howard County police press release.
“#HoCoPolice have recovered approximately 15,000 stolen construction tools totaling $3-$5 million in what is believed to be one of the largest and most expansive theft cases in the region in recent years,” wrote the post on X (formerly Twitter).
Although this is an example of a positive use, Apple is currently working with Google to stop AirTags – and other Bluetooth trackers – from being used for stalking. As of last December, it seemed that the companies were getting closer to reaching a solution.
Once finalised, the end result will likely allow people to detect unknown tracking devices without having to download extra apps.
