Stopping Crime in Its Tracks

Robbery these days is more dangerous than it used to be. The likelihood of getting caught has drastically increased, thanks to GPS tracking. The devices can be attached to anything from jewelry to bags of cash to laptops, and a thief never knows when the police could be tracking his every movement. It takes risk of discovery to a whole new level, as an Ocala man learned after helping himself to over $2,500 of laptops, shoes, and electronics. Police followed the signals of a GPS transmitter inside one of the stolen laptops and apprehended Akyl Anthony Sean Howard at his home, where he had a shed full of stolen computers and other items.

GPS Tracking and Law Enforcement

GPS tracking has been used by police departments in a wide variety of circumstances. The little devices can go places officers can’t, following perpetrators to their homes, their cars, or other places where they might try to conceal stolen items. GPS tracking has helped crack cases across the spectrum, including:

• Bank robberies


• Car thefts


• Stolen laptops


• Stolen cell phones


• Motorcycle thefts


• Boat thefts


• Drug rings

Perpetrators often receive an unexpected surprise when police officers easily track them down and identify the stolen items based on a GPS tracking signal. The devices also ease the burden on cash-strapped law enforcement departments by reducing the number of hours and officers needed to solve a theft case. GPS can perform hours of surveillance work for a fraction of the cost it would take an officer to perform the same job.

GPS Monitoring for Crime Prevention

Not only can GPS help capture a thief, but it can also help track known criminals in order to prevent crimes from reoccurring. For instance, a sexual offender who has been released on parole can be tracked using an ankle bracelet to ensure that he follows the conditions of his parole. The following table identifies some of the ways law enforcement departments can use GPS tracking to prevent crimes:

Domestic Violence	Offenders wear a bracelet, alerting victims and/or police if they cross a specified boundary
Sexual Offenders	A GPS bracelet alerts police if the wearer crosses a designated perimeter such as the area around a school, neighborhood, or playground
Auto thefts	“Bait vehicles” with GPS tracking devices installed can lead police officers directly to a ring of auto thieves

In addition to providing vital information to police officers in the event of a violation, GPS tracking can also offer safety and peace of mind to victims, especially in the case of domestic violence. When the court orders an offender to wear a GPS transmitter, the victim can be instantly alerted via text message if a boundary is crossed. By giving the victim time to get to safety, GPS tracking could save lives and prevent serious injury.

How GPS Tracking Catches Crooks

Most electronic devices already have a GPS tracking device installed. Cell phone users, for instance, can download a tracking app that makes use of the GPS locator already inside the phone. If the phone is lost or stolen, the owner can go online and identify its precise location, making the job of police officers much easier.

In the case of non-electronic property items, owners can purchase a GPS tracking device to attach or include in a carrying case. Cars, boats, bikes, jewelry, and many other items can be protected in this way. Such items can be extremely difficult to locate and recover without the help of GPS tracking; with the devices, however, recovery rates sky rocket and police officers can accomplish the task much more quickly.

Many thieves, like Howard, aren’t even aware that the items they have stolen carry tracking devices. When confronted, Howard admitted to the crime and even took the officers out to his backyard shed where he had hidden his haul.

Protecting Your Property 

One of the best ways to protect valuable items is to install a GPS tracking unit. Cars, trucks, tools, equipment, shipping containers, and more can all benefit from having a tracking device in the event of theft. By protecting the items from would-be crooks, GPS tracking can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in replacement costs. They can also provide peace of mind when traveling or moving to another part of the country. If the item gets lost or misdirected, GPS tracking makes it much easier to find it again rather than swallowing the loss.

In the case of Akyl Anthony Sean Howard, officers were able to find and recover the stolen items and apprehend Howard based on the signals they received from the GPS unit. As more people take the precautionary step to equip valuable items with the technology, GPS tracking can play an essential role in helping police departments across the nation stop crime in its tracks.

Stopping Crime in Its Tracks