New York Metropolis is handing out 500 free Apple AirTags to assist police combat an epidemic of stolen Hyundais and Kias.

Mayor Eric Adams stated at a press convention final week that town, like others across the nation, has seen an increase in automobile thefts linked to viral TikTok movies that present tips on how to simply steal many Hyundais and Kias utilizing a USB cable and different widespread instruments. The AirTags would not make stealing automobiles harder however could lead on police to them afterward.

“You will notice the spike that we’re experiencing now could be a big a part of what’s taking place on social media,” Adams stated.

New York Police Division officers stated it knew of 966 stolen Hyundais and Kias to this point in 2023, which is already greater than the 819 reported final 12 months. Hyundais and Kias account for greater than 20 p.c of all stolen automobiles within the metropolis.

Adams stated police would not mechanically have the ability to observe the AirTags being given away. A car proprietor must report the theft to NYPD and provides permission to trace it. The AirTags, which value $29 every, have been donated by the nonprofit Affiliation for a Higher New York.

Hyundai and Kia are providing software program upgrades to eight.3 million U.S. automobiles to make them much less susceptible to theft. Adams stated in April that town deliberate to affix ongoing litigation towards Hyundai and Kia.