District police offer tracking tags to combat car thefts
District police in Washington D.C. are providing free tracking tags for vehicles to residents in neighborhoods heavily affected by car thefts. The tracking tags, specifically Apple AirTags, will be distributed at designated sites next week. The aim is to use real-time data about a stolen vehicle’s location to facilitate its recovery and the arrest of thieves.
According to Metropolitan Police data, nearly 7,000 vehicles have been stolen in the District through either car break-ins or carjackings in 2023. This includes over 5,900 motor vehicle thefts and more than 830 violent car thefts. Both offenses have seen significant year-over-year increases, with motor vehicle thefts up by 101% and carjackings up by 107%.
The distribution of AirTags will take place from Tuesday to Thursday, based on the police service areas where residents live. Each distribution event will occur from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, the AirTags will be given out at 100 I (Eye) St. Southeast. Eligible residents are those living in Navy Yard, the southern part of Capitol Hill, and multiple neighborhoods located south of Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
On Wednesday, the tracking devices will be handed out to residents of Edgewood and Eckington at 1309 5th Street Northeast. Those living in NoMa and areas immediately south and west of Gallaudet University can also collect their trackers at this location.
On Thursday, the distribution will take place east of the Anacostia River at 3200 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in the rear parking lot. Residents of neighborhoods such as Greenway, Benning, Fort Dupont, Penn Branch, Fairfax Village, and Naylor Gardens are eligible to receive tags at this location.
The AirTags are for personal use, so the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will not have access to a vehicle’s location data unless it is willingly shared while reporting a crime. However, it should be noted that the MPD’s no-chase policy restricts officers from pursuing suspects unless they pose an immediate risk of death or serious injury.
Both Mayor Muriel Bowser and Acting Police Chief Pamela Smith did not disclose the number of AirTags available for distribution. The MPD consulted the Denver police to learn about their strategies for reducing stolen car incidents, given Denver’s experience with approximately 10,000 auto thefts this year.
Additionally, the city of D.C. will distribute free dashboard cameras to ride-share and delivery drivers next week. This effort is part of a broader initiative to gather more video evidence in case drivers fall victim to a crime. Previously, the city provided steering wheel locks to owners of older model Hyundais and Kias after those cars became popular targets for theft.
Residents are encouraged to be empowered and take measures to protect themselves from car thefts, says Mayor Bowser.
