A New Front in the Fight Against Car Theft: AirTags and Tracking Devices

The surge in car thefts across Canada has spurred drivers to turn to unconventional methods to protect their vehicles. Among these are tracking devices, like Apple AirTags, which offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against organized crime rings that are increasingly targeting vehicles.

AirTags: A Limited Solution

While AirTags can provide a general location of a stolen car, they lack the precision needed to pinpoint a vehicle’s exact whereabouts, particularly in sprawling locations like Canadian ports. “There are thousands of containers, so it’s very difficult to identify,” said David D’Amboise, chief operations officer at the Port of Montreal, a major destination for stolen cars.

Tag Tracking: A More Precise Solution

To address this challenge, port authorities are partnering with companies like Tag Tracking, which provides a more sophisticated tracking system. Tag Tracking’s technology employs multiple devices hidden within a vehicle, making it extremely difficult for thieves to disable the system. “We only need one unit to track the vehicle and pinpoint in which container it is,” explained Freddy Marcantonio, vice-president of Tag Tracking.

The Global Reach of Car Theft

The theft of vehicles is a global problem, and stolen cars from Canada are often destined for markets overseas. Équité Association, a non-profit organization funded by the insurance industry, reports a significant increase in vehicles shipped abroad since 2020, with many ending up in West Africa and the Middle East, where they sell for twice the retail value.

The Shifting Landscape of Car Theft

The effectiveness of tracking systems like those offered by Tag Tracking has forced organized crime rings to adjust their tactics. “Organized crime rings have “migrated” to the GTA, where tracking systems have lagged behind,” said Gast, a former Ontario Provincial Police investigator. This shift has resulted in a surge in car thefts in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with one car stolen every 40 minutes in 2022, according to Toronto’s police chief.

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Combating Car Theft

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive strategy, law enforcement and insurance agencies are implementing multiple initiatives to combat the rising tide of car theft.

Intervening Early

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is deploying a new program called the “request to locate protocol” to intervene early in the criminal food chain. The program aims to stop stolen vehicles before they reach ports, by working with authorities in warehouses and rail yards across the country.

Vehicle Security

Équité Association advocates for greater involvement from automakers in preventing car theft. “It would be great for the vehicle to be harder to steal in the first place,” said Gast. This calls for improved vehicle security measures to make it more difficult for criminals to steal cars in the first place.

Closing the Gap in Protection

The rise in car theft is a complex issue, requiring a collaborative approach from law enforcement, insurance agencies, and automakers. While technology like AirTags and more advanced tracking systems provide valuable tools, the ultimate solution lies in a combination of prevention, early intervention, and improved vehicle security. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that new tools and strategies will emerge in the fight against car theft, ensuring that stolen cars are recovered and the criminals behind these crimes are brought to justice.