Fed-Up California Woman Uses Apple AirTag to Catch Mail Thief

A woman in Southern California, frustrated by repeated thefts of her packages from her post office box, took matters into her own hands by sending an Apple AirTag to the address to track down the suspected thief, as reported by police.

The resident experienced multiple instances of stolen mail from her mailbox at the Los Alamos Post Office before devising this plan, according to information shared by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Apple’s AirTags, which retail for $29, have gained popularity since their launch in 2021, allowing users to monitor the whereabouts of anything from lost keys to personal belongings.

On a Monday morning, deputies responded to the post office after the woman reported another theft, this time involving the package containing the AirTag itself.

Law enforcement utilized the AirTag’s tracking capabilities and located its signal in Santa Maria, approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers) away from the post office. Two individuals were arrested at that location—a 27-year-old woman from Santa Maria and a 37-year-old man from Riverside.

Authorities found the AirTag package among other stolen mail belonging to the victim, in addition to items suspected of being stolen from over a dozen other individuals. The sheriff’s office did not disclose the woman’s identity, choosing to keep it private.

Both suspects were booked on several charges, including possession of checks with the intent to commit fraud, conspiracy, identity theft, and credit card fraud. Additionally, the 37-year-old man faced charges related to burglary and had several outstanding theft warrants from Riverside County.

The sheriff’s department praised the victim for promptly contacting law enforcement instead of confronting the suspects directly, which ultimately led to their arrest.