The study shows that tracking devices are often used in organized crime and by perpetrators of domestic violence

In short: Tracking devices such as Apple AirTags and Samsung Smart Tags are very popular – especially among organized crime groups and perpetrators of domestic violence. That’s according to a new Australian study that found the 100 customers who bought the most devices were twice as likely to be known to police.

The New South Wales Crime Commission has launched Project Hakea to investigate the use of tracking and other monitoring devices as an enabler of serious and organized crime in the south-eastern Australian state.

The study took into account 5,163 trackers purchased by 3,147 customers in 4,176 transactions. After using an extensive data matching process, it was discovered that New South Wales Police knew 37% of customers had criminal behavior. Furthermore, 25% of clients had a recorded history of domestic and family violence, 15% were known to be involved in serious and organized criminal activity, and 6% had other criminal histories.

It was also found that 126 customers were charged with a violent arrest order (AVO) when they purchased the tracking device. An AVO is a court order made to protect someone who has a well-founded fear of violence or harassment from a specific person. Some customers purchased trackers a few days after the AVO came into force.

The findings show that tracking and other surveillance devices are increasingly being used to facilitate organized crime, including murder, kidnapping and drug trafficking.

The investigation found that the devices have been used in at least 20 completed or attempted acts of organized crime, including three murders, three planned or attempted murders, one drive-by shooting, three kidnappings, five planned or attempted kidnappings, one home invasion and four planned or attempted violent drug busts since 2016. Fifteen of those 20 incidents have occurred since 2022, showing how much their popularity in crime has increased in recent times.

The study recommends changing the law limiting the sale of tracking devices.

In May, Apple and Google announced that their previously confirmed industry specification for Bluetooth trackers is being rolled out to iOS and Android platforms, which should help prevent harassment by alerting users to suspicious Bluetooth trackers.

We have heard positive stories about trackers being used to fight crime rather than facilitate it. In June, a carpenter used Apple AirTags to locate his stolen tools and ultimately found millions of dollars worth of stash. Apple trackers were also used to track down a lost bicycle worth $8,000 and suspected drug equipment.