12 ms·

Apple tracking devices being used in thefts of high-end cars

55 points by j_not_j 5y ago

ghaff 5y ago
While AirTags don't really add new capabilities that thieves with this level of sophistication didn't have access to before, one does wonder to what degree the attention AirTags brought to tracking devices caused various people to go "Hmm. I could track something/someone with that."
- JKCalhoun 5y ago
  I have wondered to what degree they have been used to recover stolen devices as well. I wished I had AirTagged the bike I bought for my youngest daughter before she left for college. It was stolen within weeks of her arriving. (Made more painful because the bicycle I bought for her older sister a few years earlier too was stolen her first semester in college...)
  - ghaff 5y ago
    The problem is that the police probably aren't going to do anything and, assuming it's a serious/professional thief as opposed to just another student in this situation, it's likely best to just let it go.
evancoop 5y ago
"Use a steering wheel lock, which will also work as a visual deterrent." For years, my friends and spouse derided my use of "the Club." After all, there are so many more technically sophisticated mechanisms to deter and prevent theft. Now, the irony is that the technology is redeployed in the service of the criminal rather than the owner! Does the pendulum swing back the other way? In a world where all mechanisms of security are digital and criminals look for digital surfaces to attack, the ultimate trump card is a physical obstacle?
- edot 5y ago
  I have read that brake pedal locks are actually more effective. Those steering wheel clubs are easier to cut off, compared to trying to get a saw down in the footwell to cut off something under the brake pedal. Without being able to depress the brakes, one cannot shift the car from park into drive.
- elzbardico 5y ago
  When I bought my first car, during months my usual routine when parking it for an extended period of time was opening the engine compartment and removing either a fuse or a relay from a essential circuit like starter, ignition or fuel pump. After some six months of endless ridicule from friends and dirty fingers I eventually relaxed.
- lmilcin 5y ago
  The way the club works is by telling the potential thief "The owner is determined enough to make his own life a little bit more difficult. You don't know what else might be there, just go along and find an easier target." The best way to secure your car is to think like a thief. Look at it and ask yourself, "Is this a good target?" Thieves evaluate the car through risk / reward but mostly risk. The cost of being caught is very high and opportunity cost is very low -- there is a lot of other cars available so there is almost never a reason to steal this particular one. So naturally if they see any warning signs that this might be risky (even something like an out of place pulsing light) they might want to skip it for something else. Thus, the best way to not have your car stolen is: 1) Do not drive expensive car (low reward) 2) Display something in your car that tells the thief you are determined owner and you will make the thief's life difficult (high risk) 3) Remove absolutely everything from your car that can be stolen. When I go on vacation (ie. car with foreign license plates more likely to have valuables in the trunk) I even removed the shelf above the trunk so that a thief can look and see the trunk is empty. (no easy, risk-free, alternative payoff) 4) Have an actual safety like a concealed switch that prevents the car from being started. Do not ever use anything that has visible elements -- the thief must try to start the car, see that it does not start and see that it is not easily possible to identify the mechanism that prevents starting. This should deter potential thief to try any further.
- 5y ago
zelos 5y ago
"Once inside, an electronic device that police say is typically used by mechanics to reset a vehicle to factory settings...From there, the vehicle is programed to accept a key the suspects have brought with them that can then be used to start the car and drive away." It seems like that's the more important device here? It doesn't feel like there's much point having a unique key if you can reprogram the car without it.
- yardie 5y ago
  $1300 [0] gets you a pretty decent programmer. And for the dishonest they can scan the fob over the air. [0] https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-IM508-Advanced-Programming-Tool/dp/B08CK46G9V https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-IM508-Advanced-Programming-To...
- athenot 5y ago
  Even though there may be a legitimate use-case from a car serviceability standpoint, this does serve to illustrate the wider problem of creating backdoors in systems: they always end up getting abused and into the wrong hands.
  - raverbashing 5y ago
    Sure but there must be a way for mechanics/dealerships to work around issues with lost keys. "Oh sorry, you lost your key the car is bricked" is not an acceptable answer for a car owner.
    - zelos 5y ago
      If you've lost the key then the manufacturer can presumably issue a new one once you prove you own the car.
      - mbreese 5y ago
        This is normally handled at the dealer level. Both because the dealer is the point of contact for the customer but also for speed and scalability. So, somehow dealers need the ability to reset keys. This means there are devices are kind that can do this. And with a device at every dealer, a few going missing isn’t going to uncommon. But, to me, this is the more interesting device. Using trackers (Apple or tile or whatever) isn’t what is making this possible. They might make it easier to find a target car when it’s more secluded, but a tracker isn’t the primary tech that makes the theft possible.
validuser 5y ago
Keep your keys in a faraday cage.
- Ancapistani 5y ago
  That solves nothing for this failure mode. Thieves are programming new keys on the spot.
gjsman-1000 5y ago
This makes me want to do the same thing back: I should put an AirTag in an inconspicuous spot on my car, myself. Then if a thief puts an AirTag on my car and steals it, I can do a Uno Reverse card. Edit: Another idea: I should throw an AirTag on my Catalytic Converter, and cover it up with a dark plastic so it looks like it's from the factory... That could be a huge YouTube video that could launch a channel. "I AirTagged my stolen Catalytic Converter!"
- gjsman-1000 5y ago
  Actually, Apple, that's your chance. You've got CarPlay, announce the new CarTag specification. It's just AirTag, built-into your Car in multiple spots that, while it can be removed, would require hours and hours of work pulling stuff apart. Edit: Also, you could always find your parked car!
  - mrsuprawsm 5y ago
    This already exists for some high-end bikes, such as Van Moof (https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/07/vanmoof-e-bikes-find-my-integration/ https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/07/vanmoof-e-bikes-find-my-integ...)
    - ubercore 5y ago
      As an aside, I thought it was funny shopping for an electric bike. I looked at Van Moof, and they seem great. But I saw many reviews that said they are not for "short" people. Problem is, they're designed in the Netherlands, so my pretty average 5'9" is too short for them!
- walls 5y ago
  I keep an AirTag in my glove box just to make sure I can always find it without having to pay too much attention to where I parked.
  - ghaff 5y ago
    I had that thought but a quick test suggested it didn't work all that well. But, as I say, it was just a quick test. The other thing I found was useful was throwing one in checked luggage. Not that I check luggage very often but it did tell me my luggage got transferred at a connection. (Of course, the airlines' own tracking systems are increasingly making it easier to check directly.)
elzbardico 5y ago
The uber-cynical marketeer would see this FUD as a golden opportunity to sell iPhones to protect people from AirTags
Ancapistani 5y ago
The photo in the article is of a pickup with the trailer light cover circled in red. That only makes me question its veracity. The OBD-II port “locks” I could find with a quick search are >$100, and most are made of thin plastic. Oh, and there is often a second OBD-II port under the hood of modern vehicles. If you’re actually worried about this, the best solution would be a hidden “kill switch” that prevents the vehicle from starting or driving away. Either a toggle switch that shuts off the electric fuel pump (in which case they’ll get it started and move it a few feet at most before it dies) or a momentary switch that prevents it from starting. Either of those can be installed by someone with basic electrical ability for <$10 in parts.
- ct0 5y ago
  Kill switch, or pull the fuse for the fuel pump. One requires adding parts, while the other is removing required pieces. Id suggest considering the frequency of risky parking to determine which approach is needed. The fuel pump fuse is usually listed on the fuse box cover or manual.
  - gambiting 5y ago
    The problem with all of the above is - what are you actually guarding yourself against. I've owned some pretty expensive vehicles in the past, and the advice you usually see around is to literally make it as easy as physically possible to steal your car, without actually leaving the keys in the car, and let the insurance handle it. IE - keys next to the main door of your house, in clear view, no fancy schmancy kill switches, no faraday cages, nothing like that - with the idea being that if someone is coming to get your fancy AMG or a Ferrari or whatever, they aren't an opportunistic thief that just happened to walk by - the car is being stolen either on specific order, or in general by people who know what they are doing. And if they get in your car and it doesn't start, or if their relay attack doesn't work, you know what's the next step? You get a gun to your head to start the car for them. You don't want them to enter your house to look for the key, or if they do, you want them to find it instantly and GTFO. Like, yes, the chances are low - but it's just not worth it. Have a good insurance policy instead. If you are guarding yourself against opportunistic theft however, then the above doesn't apply - install all kinds of gadgets that you can.
DeathArrow 5y ago
I have an easy method to keep my car safe even if I have to go in some of the worst neighborhoods: I own a cheap old car.
- sliken 5y ago
  Didn't work for me. Had a 14 year old Subaru Forester with 180k miles, I did manage to scare them off, and was shocked they bothered to try.
- lotsofpulp 5y ago
  There are many types of thieves. Those looking to sell, those looking to joyride, those that just want a ride, those looking to scrap. Based on stolen car reports, an older car is more likely to be stolen simply because it is much easier due to lack of anti theft mechanisms.
- csunbird 5y ago
  cheaper cars are a magnet for thieves looking for getaway cars for a larger heist.
- pandaman 5y ago
  Some of the most stolen cars are the cheap old ones. A quick search[1] shows that 1997 Civic and 2000 Accord are the #1 and #2 most stolen in 2020. From the personal experience, the only people I know who had cars stolen had old Hondas. These cars are easy to steal, unlikely to be found and make good money as parts. 1.https://insurify.com/insights/updated-2020-the-10-most-stolen-cars-in-america/ https://insurify.com/insights/updated-2020-the-10-most-stole...
null_object 5y ago
The image used to illustrate the article shows something that looks like it could be one a dozen different Android GPS trackers for sale on Alibaba. Totally gratuitous clickbait finger-pointing at Apple.
- bellyfullofbac 5y ago
  The image with the red circle? I think that's part of the car, a cap that covers a plug where you can wire up your trailer (for lights). It's showing where a thief could hide an AirTag. Yeah location trackers have always been a thing, but the same way Apple made the desktop computer mainstream (back in the 80's) and then again with smartphones, their AirTag is making location tracking mainstream, so now everyone can be a stalker or a car thief ;-) . Is it their fault? IMO not really, but, a little bit?
  - ghaff 5y ago
    I agree with your general point but >Apple made the desktop computer mainstream really isn't true. While Apple was one of the companies (see also Commodore, Tandy, ...) that first popularized home computers, it was really the IBM PC followed by its clones like Compaq that replaced terminals in offices.
jetrink 5y ago
Is it not possible to determine the identities of the thieves (or at least a lot of information about them) from the associated Apple account? I don't understand why they wouldn't use a less consumer-oriented tracking device that is easier to use anonymously.
hcurtiss 5y ago
If the owner has an iPhone, aren’t they notified that somebody’s placed an AirTag near them that’s following them? I thought this was one of the anti-stalking measures.
- jvolkman 5y ago
  Maybe the owner has an Android.
garyrichardson 5y ago
What’s the deal with leading with AirTags? It’s the least interesting part of the process. I can also use my eyes driving around neighbourhoods looking for high end cars. Or any other tracking device that’s existed since the 70s. Is it supposed to create FUD around the dangerous world we live in now that we have AirTags? Other scary technology listed in the article: - the device used to factory reset the car - blank keys - a screw driver
- mrsuprawsm 5y ago
  >Is it supposed to create FUD around the dangerous world we live in now that we have AirTags? I think you are correct.
- bellyfullofbac 5y ago
  It'd be more interesting to use 2 AirTags, and try to figure out when the owner is away from the car, e.g. if you can see them take an Uber to the airport and their car is in the driveway. To turn on my criminal mind: you driving around neighborhoods: a witness might notice you cruising around a few evenings ago and note your license plate (you'd have to go at night because during the day the cars wouldn't be there, you might have to go a few times to see what cars are available). The AirTag/any tracking device is quite ingenous, just go to the mall carpark (no one will be suspicious, it's just someone at the mall) and have a better selection of cars at one place, plant the AirTags (riskiest part) and then wait. Even if they found it at home, you already know where the car can be found, and if you're worried the cops might be waiting, just wait a few more months, statistically the car will still be there.
DeathArrow 5y ago
Aren't AirTags clones/copies of Tile?
- ghaff 5y ago
  It's similar technology but there are more people with iPhones (who haven't disabled the find network capability) than have the requisite Tile app installed.
flandish 5y ago
"If you own an iPhone, you may receive a notification that an AirTag is nearby If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage as most vehicles are stolen from a driveway Use a steering wheel lock, which will also work as a visual deterrent Install a lock on your car’s data port. Police said the simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the vehicle’s computer port" 1 - Be rich. Have an iphone. 2 - Be rich. Have a garage. 3 - Pretend this will help. It won't. 4 - Probably the only method thus far, that may be reasonable.
- deleted 5y ago
  [deleted]
- dylan604 5y ago
  1 - Eye roll - It said if you own one. It's part of their features. 2 - Eye roll, less severe. It said if possible. If not, protect yourself better. 3 - lol these things have always made me laugh with their as-seen-on-tv style advertising. 4 - at least you're somewhat reasonable.
- bagacrap 5y ago
  why would the steering wheel lock not help? it would require extra tools, time and noise to circumvent. It's cheap and effective, just a pita.
- btbuildem 5y ago
  I mean.. they're stealing LUXURY vehicles. So the real solution to this problem is "Don't be rich. Don't own an expensive vehicle."
  - aeortiz 5y ago
    Finally some advice I can actually follow!
1970-01-01 5y ago
I hate to say it, but security via obscurity is the cheap + effective aftermarket solution. You can't be gone in 60 seconds if it doesn't move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUhXLsrZiE0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUhXLsrZiE0
jbverschoor 5y ago
Clickbait. Has NOTHING to do with AirTags.
scohesc 5y ago
I love how the author of the article included a picture of a truck with a red circle surrounding the trailer connection plug - which has nothing to do with OBD2 connectivity - the technology the thieves are using to reprogram vehicles. Why do we have journalists reporting on things they know little about? Seems counter-intuitive doesn't it?
- ghaff 5y ago
  >Why do we have journalists reporting on things they know little about? Because unless you're at a major publication (or other media) like the Wall Street Journal (or at least focused magazines), you being paid not much to report on and write quickly about a wide range of subjects.
  - scohesc 5y ago
    Makes sense. I guess 'lower' prestige publications just are reporting on what they can with as much info they can glean from some google searches/staff on hand. :)
diebeforei485 5y ago
If someone can fit an AirTag in some crevice, they can probably also fit a cellular Apple Watch (without wristband) in that same crevice. Now granted the price of a cellular Watch ($329) is an order of magnitude higher than an AirTag ($29), but still pales in comparison to the street price of a high-end car. The real story is them being able to use the data port to reset the car.

55 points by j_not_j 5y ago

While AirTags don't really add new capabilities that thieves with this level of sophistication didn't have access to before, one does wonder to what degree the attention AirTags brought to tracking devices caused various people to go "Hmm. I could track something/someone with that."

JKCalhoun 5y ago
I have wondered to what degree they have been used to recover stolen devices as well. I wished I had AirTagged the bike I bought for my youngest daughter before she left for college. It was stolen within weeks of her arriving. (Made more painful because the bicycle I bought for her older sister a few years earlier too was stolen her first semester in college...)
- ghaff 5y ago
  The problem is that the police probably aren't going to do anything and, assuming it's a serious/professional thief as opposed to just another student in this situation, it's likely best to just let it go.

evancoop 5y ago

"Use a steering wheel lock, which will also work as a visual deterrent." For years, my friends and spouse derided my use of "the Club." After all, there are so many more technically sophisticated mechanisms to deter and prevent theft. Now, the irony is that the technology is redeployed in the service of the criminal rather than the owner! Does the pendulum swing back the other way? In a world where all mechanisms of security are digital and criminals look for digital surfaces to attack, the ultimate trump card is a physical obstacle?

edot 5y ago
I have read that brake pedal locks are actually more effective. Those steering wheel clubs are easier to cut off, compared to trying to get a saw down in the footwell to cut off something under the brake pedal. Without being able to depress the brakes, one cannot shift the car from park into drive.
elzbardico 5y ago
When I bought my first car, during months my usual routine when parking it for an extended period of time was opening the engine compartment and removing either a fuse or a relay from a essential circuit like starter, ignition or fuel pump. After some six months of endless ridicule from friends and dirty fingers I eventually relaxed.
lmilcin 5y ago
The way the club works is by telling the potential thief "The owner is determined enough to make his own life a little bit more difficult. You don't know what else might be there, just go along and find an easier target." The best way to secure your car is to think like a thief. Look at it and ask yourself, "Is this a good target?" Thieves evaluate the car through risk / reward but mostly risk. The cost of being caught is very high and opportunity cost is very low -- there is a lot of other cars available so there is almost never a reason to steal this particular one. So naturally if they see any warning signs that this might be risky (even something like an out of place pulsing light) they might want to skip it for something else. Thus, the best way to not have your car stolen is: 1) Do not drive expensive car (low reward) 2) Display something in your car that tells the thief you are determined owner and you will make the thief's life difficult (high risk) 3) Remove absolutely everything from your car that can be stolen. When I go on vacation (ie. car with foreign license plates more likely to have valuables in the trunk) I even removed the shelf above the trunk so that a thief can look and see the trunk is empty. (no easy, risk-free, alternative payoff) 4) Have an actual safety like a concealed switch that prevents the car from being started. Do not ever use anything that has visible elements -- the thief must try to start the car, see that it does not start and see that it is not easily possible to identify the mechanism that prevents starting. This should deter potential thief to try any further.
5y ago

zelos 5y ago

"Once inside, an electronic device that police say is typically used by mechanics to reset a vehicle to factory settings...From there, the vehicle is programed to accept a key the suspects have brought with them that can then be used to start the car and drive away." It seems like that's the more important device here? It doesn't feel like there's much point having a unique key if you can reprogram the car without it.

yardie 5y ago
$1300 [0] gets you a pretty decent programmer. And for the dishonest they can scan the fob over the air. [0] https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-IM508-Advanced-Programming-Tool/dp/B08CK46G9V https://smile.amazon.com/Autel-IM508-Advanced-Programming-To...
athenot 5y ago
Even though there may be a legitimate use-case from a car serviceability standpoint, this does serve to illustrate the wider problem of creating backdoors in systems: they always end up getting abused and into the wrong hands.
- raverbashing 5y ago
  Sure but there must be a way for mechanics/dealerships to work around issues with lost keys. "Oh sorry, you lost your key the car is bricked" is not an acceptable answer for a car owner.
  - zelos 5y ago
    If you've lost the key then the manufacturer can presumably issue a new one once you prove you own the car.
    - mbreese 5y ago
      This is normally handled at the dealer level. Both because the dealer is the point of contact for the customer but also for speed and scalability. So, somehow dealers need the ability to reset keys. This means there are devices are kind that can do this. And with a device at every dealer, a few going missing isn’t going to uncommon. But, to me, this is the more interesting device. Using trackers (Apple or tile or whatever) isn’t what is making this possible. They might make it easier to find a target car when it’s more secluded, but a tracker isn’t the primary tech that makes the theft possible.

validuser 5y ago

Keep your keys in a faraday cage.

Ancapistani 5y ago
That solves nothing for this failure mode. Thieves are programming new keys on the spot.

gjsman-1000 5y ago

This makes me want to do the same thing back: I should put an AirTag in an inconspicuous spot on my car, myself. Then if a thief puts an AirTag on my car and steals it, I can do a Uno Reverse card. Edit: Another idea: I should throw an AirTag on my Catalytic Converter, and cover it up with a dark plastic so it looks like it's from the factory... That could be a huge YouTube video that could launch a channel. "I AirTagged my stolen Catalytic Converter!"

gjsman-1000 5y ago
Actually, Apple, that's your chance. You've got CarPlay, announce the new CarTag specification. It's just AirTag, built-into your Car in multiple spots that, while it can be removed, would require hours and hours of work pulling stuff apart. Edit: Also, you could always find your parked car!
- mrsuprawsm 5y ago
  This already exists for some high-end bikes, such as Van Moof (https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/07/vanmoof-e-bikes-find-my-integration/ https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/07/vanmoof-e-bikes-find-my-integ...)
  - ubercore 5y ago
    As an aside, I thought it was funny shopping for an electric bike. I looked at Van Moof, and they seem great. But I saw many reviews that said they are not for "short" people. Problem is, they're designed in the Netherlands, so my pretty average 5'9" is too short for them!
walls 5y ago
I keep an AirTag in my glove box just to make sure I can always find it without having to pay too much attention to where I parked.
- ghaff 5y ago
  I had that thought but a quick test suggested it didn't work all that well. But, as I say, it was just a quick test. The other thing I found was useful was throwing one in checked luggage. Not that I check luggage very often but it did tell me my luggage got transferred at a connection. (Of course, the airlines' own tracking systems are increasingly making it easier to check directly.)

elzbardico 5y ago

The uber-cynical marketeer would see this FUD as a golden opportunity to sell iPhones to protect people from AirTags

Ancapistani 5y ago

The photo in the article is of a pickup with the trailer light cover circled in red. That only makes me question its veracity. The OBD-II port “locks” I could find with a quick search are >$100, and most are made of thin plastic. Oh, and there is often a second OBD-II port under the hood of modern vehicles. If you’re actually worried about this, the best solution would be a hidden “kill switch” that prevents the vehicle from starting or driving away. Either a toggle switch that shuts off the electric fuel pump (in which case they’ll get it started and move it a few feet at most before it dies) or a momentary switch that prevents it from starting. Either of those can be installed by someone with basic electrical ability for <$10 in parts.

ct0 5y ago
Kill switch, or pull the fuse for the fuel pump. One requires adding parts, while the other is removing required pieces. Id suggest considering the frequency of risky parking to determine which approach is needed. The fuel pump fuse is usually listed on the fuse box cover or manual.
- gambiting 5y ago
  The problem with all of the above is - what are you actually guarding yourself against. I've owned some pretty expensive vehicles in the past, and the advice you usually see around is to literally make it as easy as physically possible to steal your car, without actually leaving the keys in the car, and let the insurance handle it. IE - keys next to the main door of your house, in clear view, no fancy schmancy kill switches, no faraday cages, nothing like that - with the idea being that if someone is coming to get your fancy AMG or a Ferrari or whatever, they aren't an opportunistic thief that just happened to walk by - the car is being stolen either on specific order, or in general by people who know what they are doing. And if they get in your car and it doesn't start, or if their relay attack doesn't work, you know what's the next step? You get a gun to your head to start the car for them. You don't want them to enter your house to look for the key, or if they do, you want them to find it instantly and GTFO. Like, yes, the chances are low - but it's just not worth it. Have a good insurance policy instead. If you are guarding yourself against opportunistic theft however, then the above doesn't apply - install all kinds of gadgets that you can.

DeathArrow 5y ago

I have an easy method to keep my car safe even if I have to go in some of the worst neighborhoods: I own a cheap old car.

sliken 5y ago
Didn't work for me. Had a 14 year old Subaru Forester with 180k miles, I did manage to scare them off, and was shocked they bothered to try.
lotsofpulp 5y ago
There are many types of thieves. Those looking to sell, those looking to joyride, those that just want a ride, those looking to scrap. Based on stolen car reports, an older car is more likely to be stolen simply because it is much easier due to lack of anti theft mechanisms.
csunbird 5y ago
cheaper cars are a magnet for thieves looking for getaway cars for a larger heist.
pandaman 5y ago
Some of the most stolen cars are the cheap old ones. A quick search[1] shows that 1997 Civic and 2000 Accord are the #1 and #2 most stolen in 2020. From the personal experience, the only people I know who had cars stolen had old Hondas. These cars are easy to steal, unlikely to be found and make good money as parts. 1.https://insurify.com/insights/updated-2020-the-10-most-stolen-cars-in-america/ https://insurify.com/insights/updated-2020-the-10-most-stole...

null_object 5y ago

The image used to illustrate the article shows something that looks like it could be one a dozen different Android GPS trackers for sale on Alibaba. Totally gratuitous clickbait finger-pointing at Apple.

bellyfullofbac 5y ago
The image with the red circle? I think that's part of the car, a cap that covers a plug where you can wire up your trailer (for lights). It's showing where a thief could hide an AirTag. Yeah location trackers have always been a thing, but the same way Apple made the desktop computer mainstream (back in the 80's) and then again with smartphones, their AirTag is making location tracking mainstream, so now everyone can be a stalker or a car thief ;-) . Is it their fault? IMO not really, but, a little bit?
- ghaff 5y ago
  I agree with your general point but >Apple made the desktop computer mainstream really isn't true. While Apple was one of the companies (see also Commodore, Tandy, ...) that first popularized home computers, it was really the IBM PC followed by its clones like Compaq that replaced terminals in offices.

jetrink 5y ago

Is it not possible to determine the identities of the thieves (or at least a lot of information about them) from the associated Apple account? I don't understand why they wouldn't use a less consumer-oriented tracking device that is easier to use anonymously.

hcurtiss 5y ago

If the owner has an iPhone, aren’t they notified that somebody’s placed an AirTag near them that’s following them? I thought this was one of the anti-stalking measures.

jvolkman 5y ago
Maybe the owner has an Android.

garyrichardson 5y ago

What’s the deal with leading with AirTags? It’s the least interesting part of the process. I can also use my eyes driving around neighbourhoods looking for high end cars. Or any other tracking device that’s existed since the 70s. Is it supposed to create FUD around the dangerous world we live in now that we have AirTags? Other scary technology listed in the article: - the device used to factory reset the car - blank keys - a screw driver

mrsuprawsm 5y ago
>Is it supposed to create FUD around the dangerous world we live in now that we have AirTags? I think you are correct.
bellyfullofbac 5y ago
It'd be more interesting to use 2 AirTags, and try to figure out when the owner is away from the car, e.g. if you can see them take an Uber to the airport and their car is in the driveway. To turn on my criminal mind: you driving around neighborhoods: a witness might notice you cruising around a few evenings ago and note your license plate (you'd have to go at night because during the day the cars wouldn't be there, you might have to go a few times to see what cars are available). The AirTag/any tracking device is quite ingenous, just go to the mall carpark (no one will be suspicious, it's just someone at the mall) and have a better selection of cars at one place, plant the AirTags (riskiest part) and then wait. Even if they found it at home, you already know where the car can be found, and if you're worried the cops might be waiting, just wait a few more months, statistically the car will still be there.

DeathArrow 5y ago

Aren't AirTags clones/copies of Tile?

ghaff 5y ago
It's similar technology but there are more people with iPhones (who haven't disabled the find network capability) than have the requisite Tile app installed.

flandish 5y ago

"If you own an iPhone, you may receive a notification that an AirTag is nearby If possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage as most vehicles are stolen from a driveway Use a steering wheel lock, which will also work as a visual deterrent Install a lock on your car’s data port. Police said the simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the vehicle’s computer port" 1 - Be rich. Have an iphone. 2 - Be rich. Have a garage. 3 - Pretend this will help. It won't. 4 - Probably the only method thus far, that may be reasonable.

deleted 5y ago
[deleted]
dylan604 5y ago
1 - Eye roll - It said if you own one. It's part of their features. 2 - Eye roll, less severe. It said if possible. If not, protect yourself better. 3 - lol these things have always made me laugh with their as-seen-on-tv style advertising. 4 - at least you're somewhat reasonable.
bagacrap 5y ago
why would the steering wheel lock not help? it would require extra tools, time and noise to circumvent. It's cheap and effective, just a pita.
btbuildem 5y ago
I mean.. they're stealing LUXURY vehicles. So the real solution to this problem is "Don't be rich. Don't own an expensive vehicle."
- aeortiz 5y ago
  Finally some advice I can actually follow!

1970-01-01 5y ago

I hate to say it, but security via obscurity is the cheap + effective aftermarket solution. You can't be gone in 60 seconds if it doesn't move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUhXLsrZiE0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUhXLsrZiE0

jbverschoor 5y ago

Clickbait. Has NOTHING to do with AirTags.

scohesc 5y ago

I love how the author of the article included a picture of a truck with a red circle surrounding the trailer connection plug - which has nothing to do with OBD2 connectivity - the technology the thieves are using to reprogram vehicles. Why do we have journalists reporting on things they know little about? Seems counter-intuitive doesn't it?

ghaff 5y ago
>Why do we have journalists reporting on things they know little about? Because unless you're at a major publication (or other media) like the Wall Street Journal (or at least focused magazines), you being paid not much to report on and write quickly about a wide range of subjects.
- scohesc 5y ago
  Makes sense. I guess 'lower' prestige publications just are reporting on what they can with as much info they can glean from some google searches/staff on hand. :)

diebeforei485 5y ago

If someone can fit an AirTag in some crevice, they can probably also fit a cellular Apple Watch (without wristband) in that same crevice. Now granted the price of a cellular Watch ($329) is an order of magnitude higher than an AirTag ($29), but still pales in comparison to the street price of a high-end car. The real story is them being able to use the data port to reset the car.