Last summer, the number of car thefts in the US skyrocketed after videos went viral on the popular social media platform TikTok. This trend, which generally affects Kia vehicles released between 2011-2021 and Hyundai vehicles released between 2016-2021, told the public to attach a screwdriver, USB cable, etc. to the vehicles had given. how to get in and start the car showed.

After the huge increase in thefts, we have seen some security measures from brands. The first of these was the steering lock function. A few months ago, a security software update was introduced that extended the alarm time of vehicles, allowing them to self-lock and shut down. Today there was a direct action from the US police on this matter.

The New York Police Department will be handing out AirTags to citizens to prevent car thefts

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has received a device to use Apple’s tracking device, AirTag, against increased thefts due to TikTok. The mayor of New York, Eric Adams, announced this yesterday. 500 free AirTags will be distributed to citizens.announced that in this way vehicles can be checked for the risk of theft.

Referring to the TikTok trend that emerged last year, Adams stated that the viral videos known as “Kia Boyz” are directly related to car thefts in the city. NYPD’s John Chell also spoke of the increase in thefts in the city this year. 966 Hyundai and Kia stolen reported. The fact that this number stands at 819 throughout 2022 also made it clear how serious the situation is.

While Apple’s AirTag devices normally find things like wallets and suitcases in real time, they can also be used for things like cars. New York officials also emphasize that people should keep their AirTags in a safe place in their vehicles in case they are found.

This New York move isn’t the first use of AirTag in crime. In recent weeks, we have seen the device used to take down yet another drug ring in the US.