Washington D.C. officials are handing out AirTag to district residents in areas with a high risk of car theft, in the hopes the trackers can be used to cut down on the number of thefts.
WAMU reports:
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new program Wednesday that will provide free tracking tags for residents in certain neighborhoods to put on their cars, making them easier to locate if they get stolen.
The tracking tags — which are literally Apple AirTags — will be distributed to residents living in neighborhoods with high numbers of vehicle theft. They’ll be offered at three different events over the coming months. Proof of residency and an address that corresponds with an eligible police service area will be required to receive a tag.
Washington, D.C., police will help residents to install the AirTags in their vehicles.
“What we know is individuals that are involved in this type of criminal activity often commit multiple offenses, and a single arrest can help bring closure to multiple cases,” acting police chief Pamela Smith explained. The city hopes that AirTags will help play a role in catching those repeat offenders.
The Washington, D.C. initiative was likely inspired by a similar program kicked off in May in New York City. NYC hasn’t yet provided an update on the success of their initiative.