New York City Mayor Eric Adams is aiming to fight thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles with Apple AirTags.
During a speech on Sunday, Adams said “there are many rivers that feed the violence and the crime” in the city and this includes “grand larceny autos.” He went on to note Hyundai and Kia thefts, and say “your greatest investment is your automobile.”
While homeowners might beg to differ, Adams pointed out cars are critical as they enable owners to get to work, drop off their kids, and get medical assistance. Given their importance, the mayor envisions a “three-way partnership” where Apple AirTags are hidden in vehicles and owners contact police if their car is stolen. Authorities can then locate it, with the owner’s permission, using the AirTag.
More: Thieves Are Now Using Apple AirTags To Track And Steal High-End Vehicles
Adams said he wants to empower everyday New Yorkers with AirTags and note “using technology to fight crime, protect people, save property is a direction this administration and this Police Department is going in.” He went on to call AirTags an “excellent tracking device,” which is “easy to monitor” and has a battery that “lasts a long time.”
The Association for a Better New York donated 500 AirTags and they’ll be handed out for free. While that’s a drop in the bucket for a city of approximately 8.5 million people, Adams suggested they’ll be partnering with other entities as well.
John Chell, Chief of Patrol at the New York City Police Department, called AirTags “another layer of protection,” which can help locate stolen vehicles as well as enable “officers to be more strategic while mitigating pursuits.” However, he stressed common sense is also important and drivers shouldn’t leave keys in their car.
While the giveaway apparently won’t be limited to Hyundai and Kia owners, Chief Chell said “This year alone, we have 966 Hyundais and Kias taken. It’s plus 819 from last year.”
