AirTags are being used to steal luxury cars, warns Canada police - Safety tips issued | Checklist

We all know that the US-based tech giant Apple launched AirTags earlier this year to help users track their belongings in a better way but now, it seems that thieves have managed to make use of the technology to their benefit.

According to a report from BGR India a syndicate in Canada is using the Apple AirTags to target and ultimately steal luxury cars. The York Regional Police in Canada has warned the residents of their area to be wary of thieves trying to steal luxury cars using Apple AirTags.

WATCH | Click on Zee Business Live TV Streaming Below:

Investigators with the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit are advising residents they have identified a new method being used by thieves to track and steal high-end vehicles across York Region.

"Since September 2021, officers have investigated five incidents where suspects have placed small tracking devices on high-end vehicles so they can later locate and steal them. Brand name ‘air tags’ are placed in out-of-sight areas of the target vehicles when they are parked in public places like malls or parking lots. Thieves then track the targeted vehicles to the victim’s residence, where they are stolen from the driveway," York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit said in a statement.

"Thieves typically use tools like screwdrivers to enter the vehicles through the driver or passenger door, while ensuring not to set off alarms. Once inside, an electronic device, typically used by mechanics to reprogram the factory setting, is connected to the onboard diagnostics port below the dashboard and programs the vehicle to accept a key the thieves have brought with them. Once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start and the thieves drive it away," York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit added.

The officials have traced five incidents of car-stealing where thieves were found to be using Apple AirTags to track vehicles and then steal them. The tags were placed in out-of-sight areas of the target vehicles when they are parked in public places like malls or parking lots.

Thieves then track the targeted vehicles to the victim’s residence, where they are stolen from the driveway. As per the official statement reported by BGR India, the thieves typically use tools like screwdrivers to enter the vehicles through the driver or passenger door. However, they still manage to bypass the alarm system.

Once inside, an electronic device, typically used by mechanics to reprogram the factory setting, is connected to the onboard diagnostics port below the dashboard and programs the vehicle to accept a key the thieves have brought with them. Once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start and the thieves drive it away.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider the following safety tips to help prevent their vehicles from being stolen:

If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage. Most vehicles are stolen from a driveway

Use a steering wheel lock. It will also act as a visible deterrent

Install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the 
thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys

Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. 

Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed easily

Inspect your vehicle regularly and call police if you notice any suspicious potential tracking devices