(WWJ) Although commonly attached to items that are easily lost -- like keys and wallets -- a quarter-sized GPS-device made by Apple seems to be the latest tool used by would-be car thieves, warned local law enforcement.
The Dearborn Police Department issued an advisory on Friday afternoon as suspicious incidents surrounding Apple AirTag trackers came to their attention.
A user can attach the device to key rings and in wallets, allowing them to track the item's location on their phone, but thieves are taking advantage of the AirTag's GPS capabilities.
Police Chief Issa Shahin told WWJ's Jon Hewitt that the department was made aware of four cases in just the last week.
“They seem to be used more often now to identify vehicles that thieves may want to steal later," Shahin said.
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"They’ll see them parked in a mall parking lot or in a very crowded lot and then they’ll surreptitiously add these AirTags to the vehicles -- sometimes between the license plate -- to be able to track its movements."
Shahin said the thieves appear to track the vehicle to a more secluded location and wait until nightfall for a better opportunity to steal it.
The police say the devices have been found between and under car seats and in personal items.
This isn't the first time AirTag trackers have raised concerns. There are several accounts of the little devices being used to stalk people.
Most recently, a model spoke out about being tracked by an AirTag that was slipped into her purse.
As thieves become more bold, Shahin said residents can stay one step ahead and take precautions to themselves and their cars protected.
"What’s important is when people get into their vehicles, if you have an iPhone, it's going to alert you that there is this AirTag following you. It's important people's recognize that," Shahin said.
"They can actually sound an audible alert so that the AirTag makes noise so they can discover it."
There is an app available for Android users that will also alert them if an AirTag is detected.
Authorities advise people who have found AirTag devices or believe they are being followed, to call 911 immediately.
The Dearborn police also have an anonymous tip line for anyone that may have information about the recent illegal AirTag activity at 313-943-3030.