community - 2026-06-29

Tracking devices help recover three stolen vehicles on Northern Beaches

Source: www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au

Northern Beaches police have recovered three stolen vehicles after owners used devices and connected-car apps to track them down, amid a spike in local thefts. With at least 10 vehicle thefts reported across the Northern Beaches in the past week, the cases show how quickly owners and police can now respond when a stolen car can still be located.

Northern Beaches police have recovered three stolen vehicles after owners used devices and connected-car apps to track them down, amid a spike in local thefts. With at least 10 vehicle thefts reported across the Northern Beaches in the past week, the cases show how quickly owners and police can now respond when a stolen car can still be located. One of the vehicles, a Toyota SUV, was stolen from Quinlan Parade at Manly Vale sometime between 5pm on Saturday 20 June and 9am the next day. The owner had left the keys in the vehicle, making it easier for thieves to take it, but an Apple AirTag had also been left inside. Using that tracker, the owner and police were able to trace the Toyota to Tulich Avenue at Dee Why. Police recovered the SUV undamaged. The keys were missing, however, which meant the owner still had to arrange for the vehicle to be rekeyed before it could be used with confidence again. A second theft on the same night involved a BYD electric vehicle taken from Nyrang Road at Allambie Heights between 9pm on Saturday 20 June and 9am the following morning. In that case, it is understood the thieves stole the key from the owner’s home before taking the vehicle. The BYD’s...