WASHINGTON — In November, drivers lined up to get free Apple AirTags and Tiles to help track their cars if they happened to be stolen. Now, D.C. leaders will host another event handing out even more of the tracking devices later this week as car theft continues to rise.
People who live in certain areas of the District, also known as selected police service areas (PSAs), will be able to pick up a free digital tracking tag at one of two distribution events. At each event, attendees will be required to show proof of residence within selected areas to receive a free tracking tag.
Residents who live in PSAs 107 and 507 can attend one of the following distribution events:
- 1D – Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (PSA 107)
- RFK Stadium LOT 3, on 1900 East Capitol Street, NE
- 5D – Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (PSA 507)
- RFK Stadium LOT 3, on 1900 East Capitol Street, NE
Residents unsure of their designated PSA can easily find this information by visiting mpdc.dc.gov/patrolservices
The event will be held on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. DC Police said the tag is only being tracked by the driver unless an incident occurs and they share the whereabouts to investigators.
According to DC Police crime stats, motor vehicle theft is up 92% when compared to the same time last year. The free tracking tags will help police find and recover missing or stolen vehicles and hold those who took them accountable.
Demand for the AirTags is huge given the uptick in carjackings and vehicle thefts in DC