Frustration Leads to Clever Strategy
A Southern California woman, frustrated by repeated thefts from her post office box, devised a clever plan to catch the culprits. She sent an Apple AirTag to herself, ultimately helping law enforcement track down and arrest the suspects responsible for the mail thefts, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Persistent Mail Thefts Prompt Action
The woman, whose name has not been disclosed, had experienced multiple instances of mail being stolen from her mailbox at the Los Alamos Post Office. Determined to put an end to the thefts, she decided to use an Apple AirTag—a small tracking device designed to help users locate lost items—to catch the thief in the act.
AirTag Leads Deputies to Suspects
On Monday morning, the woman discovered that her mail, including the package containing the AirTag, had been stolen once again. She promptly contacted the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, who used the AirTag’s signal to trace the package to a residential block in Santa Maria, approximately 16 miles from the post office.
Deputies arrived at the location and arrested two suspects: a 27-year-old woman from Santa Maria and a 37-year-old man from Riverside. Upon searching the area, law enforcement recovered the package containing the AirTag along with other stolen mail items belonging to more than a dozen victims.
Suspects Face Multiple Charges
The suspects were booked into jail on several charges, including possession of checks with intent to commit fraud, conspiracy, and identity and credit card theft. The 37-year-old suspect also faces a burglary charge and had several outstanding theft warrants from Riverside County.
Sheriff’s Department Praises Victim’s Resourcefulness
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department commended the woman for her resourcefulness in using the AirTag and for contacting authorities instead of attempting to confront the suspects herself. The quick action and innovative use of technology not only led to the recovery of her stolen mail but also helped prevent further thefts in the community.
