One in four individuals purchasing GPS tracking devices have a history of domestic violence offenses; a recent report by the New South Wales Crime Commission. This startling statistic was revealed in a comprehensive study released on Tuesday, highlighting a significant rise in the misuse of these devices.
A Surge in GPS Tracking Devices Usage
The commission’s report points to a sharp increase in the use of tracking devices in recent years. While these devices are often marketed for legitimate purposes, such as vehicle tracking and personal safety, they are also being used by organized crime networks to monitor, locate, and attack rivals. More alarmingly, they are frequently employed by domestic violence offenders to stalk, harass, intimidate, and monitor their victims.
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The study analyzed data from more than 5,500 tracking devices sold in 2023 to over 3,000 customers. Findings revealed that 25% of these customers had a history of domestic violence. Additionally, 126 buyers were apprehended violence order (AVO) defendants at the time of purchase. The commission noted a pattern of purchases occurring shortly after AVOs were enforced, suggesting that offenders may be using these devices to circumvent legal restrictions.
Legal and Law Enforcement Actions
Given these findings, the Crime Commission is calling for stricter regulations on the sale and use of tracking devices. Recommendations include integrating anti-stalking measures into the devices and factoring in their potential misuse when setting bail and AVO conditions.
The report also highlighted an unsettling trend among some private investigators and spy stores, which were found to be marketing these devices to domestic violence offenders for the explicit purpose of monitoring intimate partners.
Between 2010 and 2023, NSW police charged 219 individuals under the Surveillance Devices Act, with about a third of these charges related to the unlawful use of tracking devices. The introduction of products like Apple AirTags into the Australian market has contributed to this increase, with 14 offenders charged since their release in April 2021.
The report detailed the case of a woman who discovered an Apple AirTag hidden in her car, placed there by her former partner. This case underscores the necessity for victims to be vigilant and for law enforcement to take proactive measures.
The investigation identified 391 customers as “particularly high-risk,” referring these cases to police and other authorities. The misuse of tracking devices has been linked to serious crimes, including murders, shootings, kidnappings, drug thefts, and trafficking.
Retailer Cooperation with Crime Commission For GPS Tracking Devices
Using its legal powers, the Crime Commission compelled 20 retailers to provide data on the sale of 5,663 devices to 3,147 customers. The commission’s investigation primarily focused on GPS tracking devices used for vehicle monitoring, which rely on global navigation satellite systems. However, it did not review data related to Bluetooth tags like Apple AirTags, Samsung SmartTags, and Tiles, which use nearby Bluetooth devices to provide location data.
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Conclusion
The NSW Crime Commission’s report sheds light on the dark side of tracking technology. While these devices offer many benefits, their potential for misuse, particularly in the context of domestic violence, is alarming. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the laws and safeguards designed to protect vulnerable individuals. The call for tighter controls and the proactive involvement of law enforcement are crucial steps in addressing this growing concern.
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