Authorities Warn The Devices May Be Tracking You in Yakima

They're being billed as a cheap way to keep track of the things you lose. They're called Apple AirTags and while the small devices that look like a small button have helped a lot of people find lost stuff the AirTags are also causing a big concern about privacy.

Yakima Police say it's likely the devices are being used secretly in Yakima

There's lot of reports about the devices being used by thieves and stalkers to track people. Yakima Police Capt. Jay Seely says police are aware of the problem and while they haven't had any criminal reports of strangers using the devices to track people that doesn't mean it's not happening. Seely says if other areas of the country are seeing a problem with the devices it's not doubt they're being used the same way in Yakima. So far though no one has filed a formal complaint.

Lots of stories out there of people finding the devices in purses or bags

Over the last few months lots of stories have been told on social media about people finding AirTags they didn't know where there hidden in places they didn't expect.
Apple knows this is problem and it's responding. Officials at Apple say they know working with police and plan on developing updates on software that would allow people to better locate the find the devices following them. If you have an I-Phone there are some built in safeguards but for other phone users the safety choices are not available.

So how can you protect yourself?

If you are concerned you can download a new app called Tracker Detect in your app store.
Authorities say the AirTags could be used to track where you are or where you are going.
They can also help you find things you always lose. How you use the devices is up to you.
If you have a concern that you're being followed after discovering the device contact Yakima Police at 575-6200.