Car thefts have been a huge problem in Arvada, Colorado. Throughout the entire state, car thefts have increased by 144% from 2011 to 2020. According to Denver7, 2022 had a record number of thefts, and 2023 saw a sharp decline in thefts. Authorities report thefts in 2024 stayed steady compared to 2023.

Authorities say the rising popularity of GPS devices, like Apple AirTags or Tile trackers, help police catch the thieves as the crime happens. A higher prosecution rate dissuades potential thieves from stealing a car, knowing there’s a high possibility of a GPS device hidden in the car.

To keep thefts down in 2025, the Arvada police department hosted a giveaway event to hand drivers a free Apple AirTag or Tile device to put on their cars. The department also gave out stickers to warn thieves the car was GPS equipped.

Arvada PD says if a car was stolen with the device intact, drivers can send the department a link through the website. From there, officers can track the car in real-time for a limited amount of time to maintain the privacy of the user.

There will be more GPS giveaway events in the future

The police department told CBS Colorado that they plan to do another event in April to give drivers “peace of mind.”

One driver told reporters that it definitely helped him feel more secure, as he’d previously had his car stolen from in front of his home.

Apple AirTags aren’t too expensive to be bought outside of the giveaway, either. A 4-pack is around $80, and a single GPS device costs about $30.

Tile trackers specifically designed for cars cost around $25, too.

Viewers say the devices are worth it

One man wrote that an Apple AirTag helped him locate his stolen car multiple times.

“My vehicle (2021 Kia Sportage) was stolen – and recovered – TWICE! After the first incident, I installed AirTag trackers in two locations in my car,” he wrote. “When my car was stolen the 2nd time, the AirTags helped me locate the vehicle, and police were able to find it. I’m a believer!”

Another said when there’s a will, there’s a way – even with a GPS device.

“Putting an AirTag in your car won’t prevent a theft,” they wrote. “It will make it easier to find, but it won’t prevent it.”

Another pointed out that Apple AirTags might not be the best solution.

“Forget Apple, what about Samsung Galaxy GPS Tags? Apple AirTags don’t work with Android and you can’t assume everyone uses Apple devices,” they wrote. “Samsung Galaxy Tags are better and work with Android.”