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You can find GPS tracking devices just about everywhere these days. They’re showing up in computers, cell phones, shoes for Alzheimer’s patients, watches, and cars. While some people feel a bit exposed with all those potential eyes watching, others have found ways to use tracking technology to their advantage, enabling them to foil criminal intentions.

GPS Helps Police Recover Stolen Goods Quickly

Take the recent case of a Michigan woman who awoke one morning to find her computer missing. Many theft cases like this one go unsolved for weeks or perhaps are never solved because hunting down a criminal who leaves little or no evidence and who takes only small items can leave police with nothing to go on. But in this case, GPS technology pinpointed the teenage thieves only a few streets away. Police were able to apprehend both boys and return the woman’s stolen computer to her along with her cell phone.

How common are cases like this? As the technology becomes more common place, more and more citizens can place themselves in a strategic position to recover stolen possessions and keep criminals off the streets. Reports from local police departments should be an encouragement to private citizens to take the initiative in such cases as well, since police are much more likely to be able to recover a stolen item if its owner has protected it with GPS tracking. The devices have enabled recovery of all types of items, from laptops and cell phones to motorcycles and cars.

GPS Makes Crime Fighting Easier

While citizens should still be able to place faith in the ability of law enforcement officers to track down criminals, the truth is that sometimes a criminal doesn’t leave enough evidence behind to make apprehensions possible. In addition, the extended hours and personnel required on some of these tougher theft cases can reduce the chances of recovery. And while police can sometimes track a suspect, their job is made much easier if they can track the stolen item instead.

Many police departments now recommend that citizens install GPS tracking devices on many types of valuables including laptops, strongboxes, cars, and important packages traveling through the mail. As an added incentive, many insurance companies will offer discounts for insurable items that are protected with the technology. And if these reasons don’t suffice, citizens should ask themselves whether they’re willing to risk losing the item in question forever in the event of a theft. All too often, they’ll have to settle for a cold case if they haven’t taken the initiative to protect their valuables with that extra set of eyes.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett