AirTags help law enforcement bust criminals in Lee County

Lee County is buzzing with stories of Apple AirTags turning into crime-solving heroes.

These small trackers aren’t just for finding lost keys anymore—they’re helping local cops crack cases.

Local examples

Feb 1. — Stolen goods & drug bust:

According to a Lee County Sheriff’s Office report, investigators used AirTags to track stolen items, leading them not only to the loot but also to a stash of drugs.

Result? Two arrests on drug charges.

Feb 2. — Missing boat tracked down:

Brian Baker was able to locate his stolen, thanks to an AirTag. He received a notification, tracked it down, and submitted a tip to the sheriff’s office.

The thief is still on the loose, but Baker is grateful to have his boat back.

Expert weighs in

WINK News’ safety and security specialist Kristen Ziman, a retired police chief, said AirTags are great, but warned against dangerous uses, like stalking and chasing down thieves.

Stalking with AirTags is illegal.

“Florida Statute prohibits the installation of tracking devices,” said Ziman. “That statute makes it illegal for a person to knowingly install a tracking device or tracking application on another person or property without that individual’s consent.”

In the Florida state legislature, discussion surrounds whether to upgrade the misdemeanor into a felony charge.

AirTags are for finding your lost stuff, not playing detective.

Ziman warns against chasing the criminal down yourself.

Her advice?

Let the police handle the situation; they know what they’re doing.

AirTags can help law enforcement locate stolen cars, lost items and even help in missing person cases.

What is an AirTag?

Apple’s tiny trackers emit Bluetooth signals to help you find lost stuff.

“Air tags are the small coin-size tracking devices that use Apple’s Find My Network to help users locate lost or stolen items,” said Ziman.

The small tools help find items, like keys or a wallet, in a matter of seconds.

The use can also aid law enforcement is searching for stolen property.

“If someone steals that property, than the owner of that device can look on their phone, and through that technology, that Bluetooth technology, they’re able to see where that device is, and to see if it’s moving away from them, or what you know what proximity they are,” said Ziman.

In a nutshell: AirTags are crime-fighting sidekicks, but don’t go superhero—leave that to the experts.