Denver Police Deploys AirTags and SmartTags to Combat Car Theft in Innovative Program
The Denver Police Department is rolling out an innovative program called DenverTrack, utilizing Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTags to combat the persistent issue of car thefts. The department announced on Tuesday that it will distribute 450 of these tracking devices over a three-day period, from March 19th to 21st, in an effort to empower vehicle owners and assist law enforcement in recovering stolen vehicles.
The DenverTrack program operates on the principle of shared responsibility, requiring participants to "preauthorize" the Denver Police Department to access GPS information provided by the vehicle owner in the event of a theft. However, authorities emphasize that they are not gaining direct access to AirTag location data preemptively. The core idea is to provide individuals with a readily available and affordable tracking solution – typically retailing for $20 to $30 – to monitor their vehicles and facilitate recovery.
According to the official press release, the vehicle owner plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Should a vehicle be stolen, the owner is responsible for promptly notifying the Denver Police Department and providing the vehicle’s location data. This information is obtained either through their GPS service provider or via the Bluetooth tracker application associated with the AirTag or SmartTag. The location data is then shared in real-time with responding officers, enabling them to pinpoint the vehicle’s location and initiate recovery efforts.
In certain situations, officers may request verbal consent from vehicle owners to directly engage with their tracking service provider. This would allow the service to provide real-time location updates directly to the police department, streamlining the communication process and potentially accelerating the recovery of the stolen vehicle.
Interested individuals can register for the DenverTrack program through the Auto Theft Prevention section of the Denver Police Department’s website. The DenverTrack Registration Events link leads to options for registering a vehicle, requiring drivers to sign up for a specific timeslot at one of six district stations on March 19th, 20th, or 21st, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
During the scheduled timeslot, participants are required to bring their vehicle registration information and the smartphone they intend to use for tracking the vehicle. Volunteers will be available to assist individuals who encounter difficulties pairing their AirTag or SmartTag with their phone. It’s important to note that walk-ins will not be accepted; pre-registration is mandatory.
Even if residents miss the opportunity to receive a free AirTag or SmartTag, they are still encouraged to register their vehicle for the DenverTrack program. Upon registration, a DenverTrack decal is mailed to the owner via USPS. The program encourages drivers to affix this decal to the lower part of their driver’s side window. According to the Denver Police Department’s website, this decal serves as a warning to potential thieves, signaling that the vehicle is registered with DenverTrack and subject to tracking in the event of theft.
However, some critics have voiced concerns that the decal may inadvertently alert potential thieves to the presence of a tracking device, prompting them to search for and disable the AirTag or SmartTag upon entering the vehicle. This potential vulnerability highlights the importance of discreet placement of the tracking device within the vehicle.
The Denver Police Department has partnered with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) to implement the Bluetooth tracker program, which was initially launched in 2023. While the precise overall budget for the program remains undisclosed, the Denver Police Department reports significant progress in combating car theft, with auto thefts down 33% compared to 2024. This impressive reduction builds upon the 29% decrease observed from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating the program’s potential impact on reducing vehicle theft rates in the city.
The DenverTrack program represents a proactive and collaborative approach to tackling car theft, empowering residents with the tools to protect their vehicles and assist law enforcement in recovery efforts. By leveraging readily available technology and fostering a partnership between the police department and the community, DenverTrack aims to deter vehicle theft and improve the overall safety and security of the city. The program’s initial success, indicated by the significant reduction in auto theft rates, suggests that this innovative approach may serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges. Further evaluation and refinement of the program will be essential to maximizing its effectiveness and addressing any unforeseen vulnerabilities.
