With over 60,000 cars stolen last year – one every 8 and a half minutes – you’d be forgiven for wanting to do everything you can to protect your motor! While motor thefts dropped by 6% in 2024, the total still ranks as the third highest in a decade, more than doubling since 2015.
Enter a simple tracking device – the Apple AirTag. But are they really a game-changer, or do they come with risks? And more importantly, what else can you do to keep your vehicle safe?
Before you read on, tell us what you think!
Are AirTags really the solution?
A quick explainer in case you’re not familiar. An AirTag is a small, puck-shaped tracker from Apple that helps you locate lost or stolen items with the Find My app. It uses Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB) and NFC for tracking and can be attached to various objects. Most people use them for their keys, wallets and bags.
But last year, an ingenious scaffolder retrieved his stolen SUV by tracking it with an Apple AirTag hidden inside the bodywork. He even managed to find it within an hour of it being snatched!
This isn’t the only case of AirTags coming to the rescue. A Birmingham student recovered her stolen Ford Fiesta in 2023 within just a few hours, even when police reportedly failed to find it. And there’s even cases of people tracking their AirPods (Bluetooth earphones), which they’ve left in their stolen vehicles to hunt down their cars.
And at just £35 a pop, could an AirTag really be the solution to the vehicle theft epidemic?
An AirTag can be tracked from miles away—even in another country—as long as it’s near an Apple device connected to the Find My network. With nearly a billion devices in the network, chances are high that your AirTag will update its location when it comes into contact with one. While you won’t see its movements in real time, you’ll still get a good idea of where it is in the Find My app.
But they do have their limitations. Firstly, they’ll work with Apple phones but Android users may struggle to get the benefits of an AirTag tracker.
Secondly, if your AirTag ends up in a remote area—like deep in the wilderness or somewhere with very few people around—it might not update its location. If it’s out of range of the Find My network, you’ll only see its last known location in the app.
And thirdly, you may be putting yourself in harm’s way by chasing after vehicle thieves. Confronting criminals can be dangerous, and law enforcement are trained and equipped for these scenarios, unlike civilians. Instead of taking risks, it’s best to report the location to the police and let them handle the situation.
Which areas are worst for car theft?
You may assume the capital is epicentre of stolen cars, and it’s certainly up there! London’s central postal district had the second highest number of car thefts in 2024, with 8,145 vehicles stolen. However, Barking in East London had a higher theft rate relative to the number of registered cars. Outside the capital, Birmingham (3,220), Manchester (912), Leeds (901), and Sheffield (899) saw the most vehicle thefts, though none matched Barking’s rate.
Top tips for beating the car thieves
- Park smart: Use a garage if you have one. On a driveway, park a less desirable car in front of a high-value one.
- Use a steering wheel lock: A visible deterrent that’s tough to break and can prevent keyless theft.
- Install security lights and CCTV: Deters thieves and provides evidence if needed.
- Keep keys secure: Avoid storing them near doors or windows to prevent signal cloning.
- Use an RFID pouch: Blocks key signals to stop relay theft on keyless entry cars.
Ready to protect your car?
While gadgets like AirTags can be a useful tool in tracking down stolen vehicles, they’re not a fool proof solution. Their effectiveness depends on location, network coverage, and whether you’re willing to take the risk of retrieving your car yourself. The reality is, even with the best security measures in place, car theft still happens—sometimes in ways that technology alone can’t prevent.
That’s why having the right insurance is just as important as taking preventative steps. A comprehensive motor insurance policy can provide financial protection if your vehicle is stolen, ensuring you’re not left out of pocket. Plus, an experienced broker can help you navigate policy options, making sure you have the right level of cover for your needs.
Want to make sure you’re properly protected? Speak to a broker like Howden Insurance for expert advice and tailored cover that keeps you one step ahead of car thieves.
Sources: Daily Mail, Sydney Morning Herald, Apple, Screenrant, This is Money.
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.