By Bill Carey
Police1 Staff
NEW YORK — An increase of car thefts citywide over last year, and last month, has led New York City Mayor Eric Adams to urge drivers to hide Apple AirTags on their vehicles.
Crime has been trending downward in several major categories, FOX 5 reported. Car thefts across all five boroughs is the exception.
“The aggravated number of auto grand larcenies continues to drive up our crime in the city,” Mayor Adams said, noting that the city has seen a decrease in shootings, homicides, robberies and larcenies.
Grand larceny auto is up 13% citywide compared to this time last year, with nearly 4,500 vehicles reported stolen. Over the past month, car thefts have jumped by more than 36%. To combat this rise, Adams and the NYPD are asking vehicle owners to place an Apple AirTag on their vehicles.
The AirTag costs around $30 and can be connected to an iPhone.
“You download the app to your phone, place this AirTag the way you want to place it in your car, wherever you feel comfortable with,” said John Chell, NYPD Chief of Patrol. “When the AirTag starts moving, your phone will be alerted.
In the Bronx in the 43rd Precinct, the department is donating 500 AirTags to car owners there in coordination with the local non-profit Association for a Better New York.