Arvada Police in Colorado have turned to AirTags to cut down on the number of cars being stolen in the city in the latest example of how useful the $30 devices are.
Apple AirTags (right) and Tile Trackers (left) are being given away to Colorado residents who sign the contract
From the moment AirTags were released in 2021, they were used to prevent car theft -- and they were also used by car thieves. Overall, though, Apple's trackers have revolutionized how stolen cars can be found, and found quickly.
According to CBS Colorado, the success rate is such that on January 19, 2025, the Arvada Police Department held its first-ever giveaway event for members of the community to get free trackers. While the report specifies that they were given AirTags, footage actually shows a mixture of Apple and Tile trackers.
There's no detail of how many AirTags were bought by the police, but half of its available trackers were given away at the event. Alongside each one, there was also a free car sticker which says "Warning -- Tracker Equipped: This vehicle can be traced by police if stolen!"
One local resident who has previously had his car stolen, said that he was in favor of the program. "Hopefully it's a deterrent, you know, with the stickers they provide for somebody stealing my vehicle," he said, "and if it does get stolen, it's very good... so I'll get my car back."
How AirTags became commonplace
First launched in 2021, Apple's AirTags were an immediate hit that went on to become a commonplace requirement for travellers and car owners.
There have been many issues over AirTags being used for stalking, but it's also highlighted the risk that previous trackers had always presented.
Apple also built-in anti-stalking measures from the beginning, although it has steadily improved those.
In their four years to date, AirTags have caused countless stolen cars to be recovered. But they've also seen a rich kid busted for stealing presidential campaign signs, they've uncovered recycling deception in Houston -- and even revealed a secret German intelligence agency.
They've also uncovered airlines lying about just where lost luggage has got to -- and not just once. AirTags have been so useful to users that Lufthansa airline tried to ban them, although it later backed down.
Separately, it's expected that Apple will update its AirTags during 2025. While the exterior design is not believed to be changing, the updated AirTags may offer better location accuracy and longer range.