How GPS tracking devices help law enforcement recover stolen property/vehicles

CLOVIS, Calif. — “We deal with cases like this every month or so,” said Corporal Anthony Puente of the Clovis Police Department, talking about cases involving reported thefts of property, trailers and vehicles that have been recovered.

There are also devices that help track lost items.

GPS tracking devices like Tile and Apple Air Tags were created to help locate the items that matter most to people, such as wallets, purses, keys, and more.

But now these devices are helping law enforcement track down stolen property and vehicles.

Puentes noted, “We use this technology a lot. He helps us and helps us.”

However, the only way they can help the victim in such cases is by connecting the device tracker to the phone.

“If they can track down this property, it will really help us get it back,” he said.

The California Highway Patrol reports that nearly 202,893 vehicles were stolen statewide in 2023 and approximately 173,354 of them were recovered.

The average vehicle theft rate is one theft every three minutes.

While that seems like a lot, Colorado has even more per capita, according to the FBI.

That’s why the city of Lakewood is turning to technology to help track stolen vehicles.

He used the grant money to give away free small GPS tracking devices, such as Apple Pendants and tile trackers.

“In our state of Colorado, and especially in the metropolitan area, theft is a daily occurrence. We hope that this program will help reduce the number of such cases and at least increase the chances of recovery,” he said.

Clovis police say they are already seeing results from people taking preventative measures and investing in one of these devices isn’t a bad idea.

If you own something of value and you think someone might want it, we recommend that you try to use any technology to recover that property if you find yourself in a situation where someone has stolen it.

Puente says it’s important to use these devices responsibly and on your own property.

If you use tracking devices on vehicles that don’t belong to you, you could be charged with an offence.

The cost of tracking devices depends on the model and brand.

The initial cost for one is about $20 to $25 for an Apple Air Tag or Tile device.