In a bid to curb the escalating auto theft menace, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Wednesday that residents in specific city regions would be eligible for complimentary "digital tracking tags."
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will utilize these Apple AirTags as an additional resource to track and retrieve stolen vehicles.
Mayor Bowser stated, "Last week, we introduced legislation to address recent crime trends; this week, we are equipping residents with technology that will allow MPD to address these crimes, recover vehicles, and hold people accountable."
She further emphasized the success of similar initiatives that fostered collaboration between the community and MPD, such as the Private Security Camera Incentive Program and the wheel lock distribution program.
The free AirTags will be available for residents of Police Service Areas 106, 501, 502, 603, 605, and 606 during distribution events slated for November 7, 8, and 9.
Acting Chief of Police Pamela Smith lauded the program, stating its objective was "not just to prevent carjackings and motor vehicle thefts, but also to ensure swift law enforcement action when these incidents occur." She added, "These tracking devices allow our officers and detectives to be better positioned to quickly locate stolen vehicles, recover property, and gather vital evidence for investigations."
This initiative follows several other measures the city has implemented to combat carjackings, including a wheel-lock distribution program, a partnership with Hyundai to enhance over 1,100 vehicles with new anti-theft software, and a dash cam distribution program for local rideshare and delivery drivers.
However, the city's efforts have not been universally applauded. One critic suggested, "Or....and hear me out....we could put people who commit crimes in prison," while another implied the city would rather distribute artillery than confront criminals directly.
The city has witnessed over 800 carjackings in 2023 alone, with firearms involved in 74 percent of these incidents. The majority of the perpetrators have been identified as teenagers.
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