Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYPD deploys tracking technology to curb car thefts
By
Phil Corso
Published Apr 30, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
By
Phil Corso
Published Apr 30, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The city is teaming up with the Association for a Better New York to try and put the brakes on the rising number of car thefts, thanks in part to a social media trend on TikTok.
Users of the social media app have been posting videos of themselves exploiting a technology glitch to jump-start Hyundais and Kias with a USB cord and a screwdriver. That's why the Association for a Better New York agreed to donate 500 Apple AirTags to the city so future victims could track their vehicles if they're ever stolen.
"Using technology to fight crime, protect people, save property is a direction this administration and this police department is going in," Mayor Eric Adams said while rolling out the technology in the Bronx on Sunday.
The NYPD will be doling out the new devices to drivers of vehicles most often targeted in these kinds of thefts. The AirTags are to be hidden inside the car, where potential thieves can't spot them, thus making it simple for victims to track their stolen vehicles in real time.
There have been 966 Hyundais and Kias taken this year alone, the NYPD said — 819 more than last year. There have been 207 grand larceny auto incidents recorded in the Bronx's 43rd Precinct alone so far this year, officials said, including nine in the last week.
Mayor Eric Adams rolls out a donation of 500 Apple AirTags to try and curb a rise in car thefts in New York City.
Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said last month the department had started noticing a spike around September, from an average of 10-12 Hyundais and Kias stolen per month to about 100 by December. She said the Bronx and Upper Manhattan have seen the largest jump in thefts.
In a statement to Gothamist last month, Hyundai said it has taken multiple steps to prevent thefts and that it is "committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products." Kia did not return requests seeking comment.
Chairman of the Association for a Better New York Steven Rubenstein said the decision to donate the tracking devices stemmed from a desire to stifle the growing trend before it ballooned any further.
"You're trying something new. We're seeking a new approach. It's a bit of technology," he said. "It's a simple idea, but it's an innovative one. And we really believe in trying things to see how they work."
The NYPD will not have access to any live AirTag information, officials said. Instead, officers will help future victims track stolen vehicles via their own personal phones.
Samantha Max contributed reporting.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: Get to know Wanda, the donkey in the Met's 'La Bohème'
Because she's 18 years old now, here are your early links: The RHONY castmember mentioned in the Epstein Files, killing rats with carbon monoxide, Selena Gomez says don't vape and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 8:26 a.m. ET
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
News
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
By
Caroline Lewis
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .