Sinister way popular Apple device is being used

A popular Apple device used to help you find your keys is being used by some for a more sinister purpose, prompting a police warning.

The Apple AirTag is marketed as a way ‘to keep track of your stuff’.

Police have warned that Apple AirTags are being used as stalking devices by embittered ex-partners.

An AirTag is a small location-tracking disc that Apple markets as a way “to keep track of your stuff.”

The Saturday Herald Sun can reveal Victoria Police has received reports they have been used in family violence incidents.

Last year police in Victoria received around half a dozen reports where the victim found an AirTag allegedly placed by an ex-partner.

This has included tags being put in bags or on vehicles.

Police have warned that the growing popularity of AirTags means there is a possibility they will be used more in family violence incidents.

“A small GPS tracking device such as an AirTag can be hidden or disguised in a bag, or on a vehicle under the number plate, tow bar or in a fuel cap,” Detective Inspector Boris Buick, of the Victoria Police Cybercrime Squad, told the Saturday Herald Sun.

“If you believe you are being tracked perversely, we strongly encourage you to report this to police.”

Insp Buick has given tips on how to avoid being stalked with AirTags.

“If an iPhone detects an unknown AirTag or Find My network accessory nearby that has been moving with you over time, you will receive a notification that an item has been detected near you,” he said.

“Should that occur, use the Find My app to see if your travels have been tracked, and tap ‘play sound’ to assist you in locating the AirTag.

“You can disable the AirTag to stop sharing your location by selecting ‘Instructions to Disable’ and following the on-screen steps.

“Similarly, users of an Android device can download the Tracker Detect app which will look for item trackers within Bluetooth range that are separated from their owner.”

Victoria Police has been working with the eSafety Commissioner to help educate specialist investigators dealing with cases where technology is used by family violence perpetrators.

“Abusive behaviour, which includes using technology to evoke fear and control over victims is unacceptable, and police will take action against anyone who engages in this activity,” Insp Buick said.

A recent study by WESNET, a peak national domestic violence body, revealed “most (abusers) usually … have women on a GPS leash”, and that there was a 245 per cent jump in victim survivors being tracked by GPS apps and devices in 2020.

WESNET chief executive Karen Bentley said technology doesn’t cause abuse and the focus needs to be on changing perpetrators’ behaviour.

“When there was the terror attack on Bourke St, no one talked about banning cars. We need to focus on the abusers,” she said.