Newtown PD Suggests Using 'Apple AirTags' To Thwart Car Thefts

NEWTOWN, CT — To help avoid vehicle thefts, the Newtown Police Department suggests residents consider hiding one of Apple's new AirTag devices inside their car so that it can be tracked.

The suggestion was one of several the department made in a recent Facebook post, because automobile thefts have been a problem throughout Fairfield County and Connecticut in recent years.

"Lower Fairfield County has experienced a very recent uptick, and we ask that residents to remove all valuables and to lock their cars," Newtown police wrote. "Recently we had a resident report that their work laptop was stolen from their unlocked vehicle."

AirTags are small, round devices that are wirelessly tied into Apple's "Find My" app network that can help people locate lost items.

The Hartford Courant reported that Connecticut saw a 42 percent increase in vehicle thefts in 2020, or about 8,500 vehicles, based on AAA statistics.

In addition to considering using AirTags, Newtown police also suggest simply securing your vehicle and valuables to avoide theft.

"Take the 5 seconds, lock it up and save yourself the headache of dealing with police, insurance companies and all the other court issues that you could potentially be brought on," police wrote.