In a series of unusual incidents involving Apple products, law enforcement agencies have been utilizing technology to track down suspects involved in various crimes. From stolen vehicles to insurance fraud and stalking, these cases highlight the role of Apple devices in both committing and solving crimes. This week’s roundup includes arrests made possible by tracking devices like AirPods and AirTags, as well as an incident where an iPad helped locate a missing child.

AirPods Lead to Arrest in Vehicle Theft Case

In Southern California, two Texas men were apprehended for the theft of a Volkswagen Beetle. The key to their capture? A pair of AirPods left inside the vehicle. Law enforcement was able to trace the thieves’ movements using the wireless earbuds, eventually leading them to a shopping plaza where they were arrested. Both individuals now face charges related to possession of a stolen vehicle and conspiracy.

In Connecticut, a man has been charged with first-degree larceny and insurance fraud after allegedly orchestrating a five-year scheme involving false claims on iPhones. Police discovered numerous iPhones at his residence, many of which had never been activated. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, an ex-boyfriend used an AirTag to stalk his former partner, resulting in felony charges for criminal use of a communication facility, stalking, and harassment.

iPad Saves Child at NBA Game and Helps Solve Car Theft

A nonverbal 12-year-old boy attending a Detroit Pistons game had his iPad stolen during the event. The device serves as his primary means of communication, and while Find My was ineffective due to the location being turned off, a nonprofit organization has pledged to replace it.

In Philadelphia, an iPad left in the back seat of a stolen SUV played a crucial role in rescuing a four-year-old child. After a thief drove off with the vehicle, police tracked the iPad’s signal and found the car just blocks away, with the child safely asleep inside. In Tennessee, an AirTag in a child’s backpack led authorities to arrest two suspects involved in multiple vehicle break-ins and a car theft.

MacBook Air Incident and Apple Watch Controversy

An 18-year-old from North Carolina faces several charges after breaking into a car, stealing a MacBook Air, and subsequently throwing it into a swimming pool. Authorities recovered the device from the pool and returned it to its rightful owner.

In India, a doctor claimed his Apple Watch was stolen at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) debunked this claim, presenting CCTV footage showing the doctor putting the watch back on his wrist. The doctor later deleted his post, acknowledging the error.

These incidents underscore the dual-edged nature of modern technology. While Apple products can facilitate crime, they also provide powerful tools for law enforcement to solve cases quickly and efficiently. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the methods used by both criminals and those who seek to bring them to justice.