Free AirTag? Police give them as a gift to prevent theft

To prevent large-scale theft of cars, the police are now handing out free AirTags. We’ll tell you who can get a free AirTag.

In New York so many cars have been stolen lately that the police have decided to use AirTags to prevent theft. The NYPD is handing out a total of 500 AirTags to local New York residents. They can then hide the AirTag in their car, so that they immediately see when their car is stolen.

Read also: These are the best ways to hide an AirTag on your bike

As soon as they receive a report that the location of the car suddenly changes, they can immediately call the police. By reporting that you have an AirTag hidden in the car, the NYPD can immediately start looking for the stolen vehicle. Handing out free AirTags should make it easier to find cars and deter thieves.

AirTag is mainly distributed in the Bronx

The NYPD distributes the free AirTags mainly in the Bronx, one of the New York boroughs. This year, 24 percent more cars are stolen than in the same period last year. This percentage is slightly lower in the rest of New York, but car theft is also more common there than in the same period last year. In the rest of New York, 13 percent more cars were stolen.

Hiding such a free AirTag in the car is a smart idea, but you have to be quick if your car is stolen. The AirTag automatically plays a sound after a while when the tracker is no longer near the owner. This way, the car thief immediately knows that an AirTag is hidden in the car and where it is. In addition, you recently received a notification if an unknown AirTag moves with you.

Use AirTag in more ways

By handing out the free AirTag, the NYPD is trying to reduce crime in the city. Hiding an AirTag is useful for finding a stolen car (or bicycle), but you can of course also use the AirTag when looking for your car in a large parking lot. Apple’s tracker is also useful to put in your suitcase when you go on vacation.

read also: On holiday? Bring an AirTag (and it’s cheapest here)

Do you also want an AirTag? Unfortunately, the Dutch police do not hand out free AirTags, so you have to buy the tracker yourself here. We have already looked up the best prices for you in our AirTag price comparison. Then at least you know that you are not going to pay too much!

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