Montreal, Canada – As residents in Vermont return from road trips to Canada, Vermont police are issuing a warning to check their vehicles for hidden tracking devices known as AirTags. Recent reports indicate that individuals have discovered these AirTags secretly placed on their vehicles, possibly as part of a scheme to identify cars for theft and shipment abroad. Law enforcement suspects a car theft ring, with criminal activity centered in Montreal, is behind the installation of these trackers.
According to Ryan McLiverty, a cyber analyst with the Vermont Intelligence Center, the use of AirTags to track and steal vehicles has been ongoing, but there has been a recent increase in incidents involving criminals from Montreal. These criminals are believed to use the AirTags to monitor vehicles, potentially for the purpose of stealing and selling them or smuggling drugs across the border. The trackers are commonly found in inconspicuous locations on vehicles, such as under windshield wipers, inside grilles, or in unlocked vehicles.
Instances of AirTags being used in vehicle theft are not isolated to Vermont. In Canada, the York Regional Police reported investigating multiple incidents where vehicles had AirTags placed on them to facilitate theft. To address concerns of misuse, Apple has implemented notifications for iPhone users if an unknown AirTag is detected traveling with them, as well as releasing an app for Android users to manually locate the trackers.
In a separate development, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Apple, alleging that AirTags have become tools for stalkers and abusers. Despite criticism, Washington D.C. has issued AirTags to residents to aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles, with successful use cases reported in tracking down stolen luggage. Apple asserts that it is not accountable for the misuse of AirTags, emphasizing individual responsibility in their proper use.
Overall, the prevalence of AirTags in criminal activities underscores the need for vigilance among vehicle owners in securing their vehicles and checking for any suspicious tracking devices. Law enforcement continues to investigate these incidents and educate the public on ways to protect themselves from potential exploitation through the misuse of technological devices like AirTags.