DC mayor hands out AirTags so residents can find cars after they are stolen

On Wednesday, Washington, DC mayor Muriel Bowser announced that residents in certain areas of the city will be eligible to receive free "digital tracking tags" in an attempt to address rampant auto theft.

The Apple AirTags will become another tool in the Metropolitan Police Department's arsenal, allegedly allowing officers to trace and recover stolen vehicles.

 

"Last week, we introduced legislation to address recent crime trends; this week, we are equipping residents with technology that will allow MPD to address these crimes, recover vehicles, and hold people accountable," Bowser said.

"We have had success with similar programs where we make it easier for the community and MPD to work together – from our Private Security Camera Incentive Program to the wheel lock distribution program – and we will continue to use all the tools we have, and add new tools, to keep our city safe."

Residents of Police Service Areas 106, 501, 502, 603, 605, and 606 can pick up their free AirTags at distribution events scheduled for November 7, 8, and 9.

The program was praised by Acting Chief of Police Pamela Smith, who said the goal was "not just to prevent carjackings and motor vehicle thefts, but also to ensure swift law enforcement action when these incidents occur."

"These tracking devices allow our officers and detectives to be better positioned to quickly locate stolen vehicles, recover property, and gather vital evidence for investigations," she added.

This is not the first tool the city has equipped residents with to combat carjackings. It comes on the heels of a wheel-lock distribution program, a partnership with Hyundai to upgrade over 1,100 vehicles with new anti-theft software, and a dash cam distribution program for local rideshare and delivery drivers.

Not everyone was pleased with the efforts taken by officials.

"Or....and hear me out....we could put people who commit crimes in prison," one X user said.

Another suggested the city would sooner hand out artillery than actually deal with criminals.

According to NBC4, over 800 carjackings have taken place across the city so far in 2023, with 74 percent of those involving firearms. A majority of the culprits have been teenagers.