EL DORADO HILLS — A GPS tracking device hidden inside construction equipment helped El Dorado County detectives locate more than $4,000 worth of stolen property and arrest a probationer in North Sacramento last week.
Sheriff’s officials said detectives were alerted to the theft on the morning of Sept. 18 after equipment was reported stolen from a construction site in El Dorado Hills. The victims had equipped their tools with Apple AirTags, allowing them to track the location of their property in real time.
Investigators followed the GPS signal to a residence in North Sacramento connected to a man already on probation out of Sacramento County. Detectives initiated a probation search at the home, where they located the stolen items and returned them to their rightful owner.
Authorities noted that quick reporting and the use of small tracking devices can make a big difference in recovering stolen property.
“When it comes to property crimes, there are some very small things that can make a very big difference when it comes to the recovery of stolen property,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement. “Strategically placing GPS devices inside of equipment is one of the most effective ways to track items once they are stolen. It’s also imperative to report the crime as soon as possible.”
The suspect’s identity was not immediately released. Deputies said the case highlights how technology and community cooperation can aid in property recovery.
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