New York City has been dealing with a rise in auto-related thefts, and to help combat this problem, city officials are giving out 500 Apple AirTags for free. The smart trackers will be distributed in partnership with the NYPD, and are meant to discourage criminals and help citizens recover their stolen cars. Here’s what you need to know about the initiative.
AirTags to the Rescue
The increase in car thefts in New York City has been concerning for officials, with a 13% year-on-year rise in auto-related thefts. To help address the issue, the city is partnering with the NYPD to offer 500 Apple AirTags to residents. The small devices can be hidden in a car and used to track the vehicle’s location in real-time, making it easier to recover stolen cars.
A Partnership with a Purpose
The non-profit organization “Association for Better New York” is donating the 500 AirTags to citizens. Mayor Eric Adams has praised the initiative as “a really amazing piece of ingenuity,” highlighting how easy it is to monitor a vehicle’s location with the device. NYPD Chief Rodney Harrison has also endorsed the program, calling it a 21st-century solution to a 21st-century problem. He encourages citizens to take advantage of the program and get an AirTag for their cars.
How to Participate
To receive a free AirTag, citizens can contact the Association for Better New York through their website. The program is currently available only for New York City residents. The NYPD will work with residents to ensure the devices are installed properly and provide education on how to use them.
A Promising Solution
The initiative to distribute free AirTags is a promising solution to the growing problem of car theft in New York City. The program not only offers a way to discourage theft but also provides a means to recover stolen vehicles. The NYPD is confident that the initiative, combined with their use of drones and StarChase technology, will help them safely recover stolen cars and keep the streets safer.
