Car theft is a frustrating crime that brings financial and emotional stress to victims. To help combat this issue, some police departments in Colorado are offering free tracking devices like AirTags and Tiles to residents. This program aims to discourage thieves, help recover stolen vehicles, and lower auto theft rates within the community.
As vehicle thefts increase, Colorado cities are launching new programs using tracking technology to help residents protect their cars. These efforts show a strong response to the ongoing problem of vehicle theft in Colorado.
By using technology and working with the community, local police are focused on keeping residents’ vehicles safe and improving public safety. Cities like Lakewood, Denver, and Aurora hope their actions will inspire similar programs across the country, resulting in fewer stolen vehicles and safer neighborhoods for everyone.

Note: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Colorado’s Innovative Approach to Curbing Auto Theft
The Rise of Vehicle Theft
Vehicle theft is a persistent problem across the United States. Colorado has seen its share of this crime, prompting law enforcement to seek new and effective solutions. Traditional methods like steering wheel locks, while helpful, haven’t fully stemmed the tide. This has led to innovative approaches, including the use of tracking technology.
AirTags and Tile Trackers: A New Weapon
Several police departments in Colorado, such as Lakewood and Arvada, have begun distributing free tracking devices like Apple AirTags and Tile trackers to residents. These small, affordable devices can be attached to valuable items, including vehicles, and tracked using a smartphone app. The idea is simple: if a car is stolen, the owner can use the tracker to pinpoint its location, aiding police in recovery.
How the Programs Work
These programs often include:
- Free tracking devices: Residents receive AirTags or Tile trackers from their local police department.
- Decals: Vehicles participating in the program display decals, deterring potential thieves.
- Community outreach: Police departments educate the public about vehicle theft prevention.
Benefits and Potential Impact
Using tracking devices offers several advantages:
- Faster recovery: Locating stolen vehicles quickly reduces the chance of them being damaged or stripped for parts.
- Deterrence: The presence of decals may discourage thieves from targeting participating vehicles.
- Cost-effectiveness: These programs are relatively inexpensive to implement compared to other crime prevention strategies.
Comparing Tracking Devices
While both AirTags and Tile trackers serve a similar purpose, there are some key differences:
Feature | Apple AirTag | Tile Tracker |
---|---|---|
Ecosystem | Apple’s Find My network | Tile network |
Compatibility | iOS devices | iOS and Android devices |
Anti-stalking features | Proactive alerts for unknown AirTags | Scan and Secure feature |
Price | Typically higher | Various price points |
Looking Ahead
The success of these programs in Colorado could lead to similar initiatives in other states. As technology advances, we may see even more sophisticated methods for preventing and recovering stolen vehicles. This proactive approach by law enforcement shows promise in the fight against auto theft.
Short Summary:
- Lakewood Police are distributing free Apple AirTags and Tile trackers to residents to deter auto thefts.
- DenverTrack empowers vehicle owners to authorize police to access GPS data in stolen vehicle cases.
- Aurora plans to introduce Metro Track, collaborating with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Agency to enhance vehicle recovery.
As Colorado grapples with an alarming rise in vehicle theft rates—most recently reported as the highest in the nation per capita—local law enforcement agencies are taking proactive measures to protect residents’ vehicles. The Lakewood Police Department has taken a pioneering approach by providing residents with complimentary tracking devices, including Apple AirTags and Tile trackers, as part of its Auto Theft Reduction & Recovery program.
Lakewood’s Innovative Program
The Lakewood initiative aims to equip residents with tools to deter auto theft and aid in the recovery of stolen vehicles. Notably, this initiative is part of a larger trend across Colorado cities. Lakewood’s program, known as the Lakewood Auto Theft Reduction & Recovery (LATRR), also includes a robust support structure where residents receive a locking device for their steering wheel, commonly known as “The Club.”
“Auto theft has real and serious impacts for our community. On an individual level, it causes financial hardship and takes away the victim’s transportation,” stated Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith. “It also demands a great deal of law enforcement resources.”
During the first six months of the LATRR program, Lakewood managed to deter over 1,500 vehicle theft attempts, with only a single theft reported in that period. Remarkably, the stolen vehicle was recovered within 24 hours of its disappearance. With nearly 4,000 residents participating, the program demonstrated a measurable success rate in its crime prevention initiatives.
Denver’s Data-Driven Strategy
In Denver, the police have launched a parallel program named DenverTrack, which seeks to employ a data-driven approach to tackle the city’s escalating auto theft crisis. The Denver Police Department encourages vehicle owners to register their GPS-enabled vehicles, thereby preauthorizing authorities to use tracking data if those vehicles are reported stolen.
Lieutenant Ryan Harris of the Denver Police stated, “Those who register for the program will also be given stickers to post on their window that reads, ‘This vehicle is protected. Tracked by the Denver Police Department,’ in an effort to deter thieves.”
This program also hinges on residents’ cooperation for effective implementation. Should a vehicle registered in the DenverTrack program go missing, the owner needs to immediately contact law enforcement and may share real-time GPS data to expedite recovery.
Vehicle Recovery Efforts Expand to Aurora
Expanding on the successful models from Lakewood and Denver, the Aurora Police Department is gearing up to launch its own vehicle tracking initiative named Metro Track. Designed in collaboration with the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Agency (CATPA), the Metro Track program will empower residents to authorize police to utilize their vehicle’s GPS data for expedited recovery following theft.
APD Division Chief Mark Hildebrand commented, “Metro Track has been in the works for the past year and will officially launch soon. We are optimistic about this program’s potential to aid in recovering stolen vehicles.”
Similar to the prior initiatives, the register in Metro Track is free, allowing residents to provide their vehicle information to the police. The program aims to use existing GPS technology to facilitate the recovery process effectively. Vehicles manufactured after 2015 typically come equipped with these services, but owners of older models will also have the opportunity to participate using Apple AirTags.
Tracking Technology as a Deterrent
What sets these programs apart is their focus on creating a deterrent effect against potential thieves. The very existence of tracking devices and the visible warning stickers significantly lowers the temptation to steal, as shown by early data from similar programs. In Cook County, Illinois, programs utilizing sticker deterrents saw a reduction in auto theft attempts by up to 50% according to police reports.
In alignment with these expectations, the Colorado Metropolitan Auto Task Force has reported a staggering spike in auto thefts statewide, with estimates exceeding 40,000 vehicles stolen in 2022 alone, representing a 12% increase compared to previous years. This situation prompted the Mayor of Denver and the state governor to advocate for stricter penalties against auto theft.
Legislative Support for Anti-Theft Measures
To reinforce these local initiatives, State legislators have introduced Senate Bill 23-097, aimed at transforming car theft into a felony offense, regardless of the vehicle’s value. Advocates of the bill argue that more stringent punishments could deter would-be thieves and stabilize the inflated rates of auto theft across the state.
Senator Rachel Zenzinger of Arvada noted, “This is a significant step forward in our fight against auto theft. We want those who take a car without the owner’s permission to understand that there will be serious consequences for their actions.”
Legislation aimed at combating vehicle theft is crucial as it complements the technological strides being made by local law enforcement agencies. Collectively, the measures stand to provide residents throughout Colorado with a greater sense of security while addressing the challenges presented by high theft rates head-on.
Community Engagement and Educational Outreach
Throughout these initiatives, community engagement remains at the forefront. Each program aims not only to reduce auto theft but also to foster positive relations between law enforcement and the citizens. For instance, during the LATRR program’s installation events, participants were educated on auto theft prevention tips, leading to greater awareness and community involvement.
Moreover, both the Lakewood and Denver police departments utilized social media and local outreach to inform residents about their respective programs. The overwhelming excitement and participation underscore the pressing need for community-oriented solutions to auto theft.