Apple recommends that AirTag users contact law enforcement when they locate their stolen belongings to avoid potential harm. However, there was a unique case where a car theft victim managed to retrieve his vehicle by tracking it with an AirTag and the Find My app, confronting the thief without any injuries.

Philip Obando, a California resident, hid an Apple AirTag inside his BMW as a precaution. When he woke up one morning to find his car missing, he used the Find My app to track it as it was driven through Long Beach. Despite notifying the police, Philip and his wife decided to track down the car themselves and found it at a local gas station where the thief was refueling.

Taking matters into his own hands, Philip confronted the thief and proved ownership of the car by remotely activating its horn with a duplicate key fob. Fortunately, the thief fled without any violence, allowing Philip to reclaim his vehicle safely. It was later discovered that the thief had left knives inside the car.

The criminal’s mistake of leaving his wallet in the car led to quick identification by the police, revealing that he was actually a neighbor of Philip and his wife. While AirTags are effective in tracking stolen items, it is still advisable to involve law enforcement in such situations for safety reasons.

Interestingly, in Canada, criminals use item trackers on high-demand vehicles for illegal activities. They exploit apps like Find My to locate tagged cars and steal them under cover of darkness for parts or resale. This highlights the importance of taking precautions and involving authorities when dealing with stolen property.