Couple Takes Action to Recover Stolen Jaguar Using Apple Airtag

Mia Forbes Pilly and her husband Mark Simpson faced a frustrating situation when their $57,000 Jaguar was stolen from their home in Hammersmith, London. After contacting the police, they were less than satisfied with the response. Despite providing real-time location details from Airtags hidden in the vehicle, the Metropolitan Police offered vague reassurances and little action.

Determined not to wait for the authorities, the couple chose to recover the car on their own. “I wanted to act quickly because there’s a worry that it might be hard to find a car once it’s abandoned,” Forbes Pilly mentioned in a conversation with BBC News. They informed the police of their plan to go to the vehicle’s location, but were simply told to call for help if needed.

Airtags, while innovative, are not foolproof tools against crime. In reports, there have been instances of criminals using these devices for nefarious purposes, often hiding them in places like gas caps. They can track potential victims home and even have the means to bypass a vehicle’s ignition system using electronic devices.

One troubling case involved a woman receiving notifications from her iPhone that an Airtag was with her, leaving her anxious about returning home. Reports suggest the device can be cleverly concealed, such as inside wheel wells.

Forbes Pilly, reflecting on their own experience, remarked it felt like “a little adventure,” even amid fears that they could be harmed. Ultimately, the couple found their Jaguar parked in Chiswick, but it was clear that the thief had momentarily outsmarted the car’s built-in immobilizer. Luckily, they had an aftermarket immobilizer that thwarted further attempts at theft.

In a bit of irony, recovering their vehicle meant they had to “steal” it back due to additional immobilizers preventing the car from starting. The couple had to reach out to Jaguar to prove ownership before the company could assist in unlocking their car.

While using Airtags to track stolen cars is becoming more popular, Apple and law enforcement agencies often advise against pursuing thieves for safety reasons. Forbes Pilly noted, “I expected the police to respond more quickly since they had the location, but I understand that they’re busy, too.”