The New York Police Division is popping to Apple AirTags to fight an increase in stolen automobiles it blames on a TikTok automobile theft problem. In a press conference on Sunday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams introduced that town is handing out 500 free AirTags to assist residents monitor their automobiles in case they’ve been stolen.
Mayor Adams stated there’s a direct hyperlink between the rise in automobile thefts within the metropolis and the viral TikTok movies from thieves known as the “Kia Boyz” that first emerged final summer season. In clips posted to the platform, the pair taught customers exploit a Hyundai and Kia defect that allow them begin a automobile utilizing a USB cable and different available instruments.
“You will note the spike that we’re experiencing now’s a big a part of what’s taking place on social media,” Adams stated. In accordance with John Chell, NYPD chief of patrol, town has already seen 966 stolen Hyundais and Kias this yr to this point, marking a rise of 819 from all of 2022. In the meantime, 4,500 vehicles have been reported stolen general.
Apple’s AirTags are sometimes used to trace issues like a handbag, pockets, suitcase, or set of keys in actual time, however in addition they come in useful when serving to individuals monitor down their stolen automobiles. Though town is encouraging residents to cover the AirTags inside their automobiles to make them harder for a thief to search out, an AirTag security function could alert a thief of its presence anyway.
The NYPD received’t have entry to the real-time location of the AirTags that it’s freely giving. Mayor Adams notes that individuals should notify the police division that their automobile has been stolen after which give the authorities permission to trace their automobile. Town is simply distributing the AirTags, which it acquired as a donation from the nonprofit Affiliation for a Higher New York, to residents in Fort Hill, Soundview, and Parkchester, who can name their native precinct to get one, according to CBS News.
