Law enforcement says helpful tracking tools may present hidden risks
Law enforcement says helpful tracking tools may present hidden risks
Publish Date: 2026-05-22 19:22:00
Source Domain: www.wibw.com
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Topeka police say stalking cases involving tracking technology like AirTags remain uncommon in Kansas, but the devices have appeared in some investigations.
Detective Alexander Wall with the Topeka Police Department said the department sees a handful of stalking cases every year that involve some type of tracking device.
“With every technology, you know, it gets used for the right reason, but then somebody finds a way to abuse it,” Wall said.
Investigators say when physical devices are used, they are often hidden in places people may not always check, like a purse, glove box, or under the hood of a car.
But detectives say many cases today do not involve a hidden tracker at all. Instead, they rely on location software already carried on a person’s phone.
“In this day and age, everybody takes their cell phone with them everywhere they go,” Wall said.
While tech companies have added security features to alert users of nearby tracking devices, software like Find My Friends can be covert. The risk is greater when passwords are shared or accounts are easily accessible.
“So somebody may turn off their location on their phone, but then somebody [else] will go in on a web browser and actually turn it back on,” Wall said.
Wall offered a simple solution.
“Change that password. Once you can change that password, it will hopefully eliminate their ability to track you as well,” he said.
Benjamin Aber, an officer with the Washburn University Police Department who works closely with organizations like the YWCA, has seen similar cases.
“We look at cyberstalking, physical stalking and using tracking devices all in the same category. It’s all abuse, it’s all stalking behavior,” Aber said.
Aber said that while uncommon, the impact is significant.
Aber said anyone who suspects they are being tracked should document any findings and contact local law enforcement or support organizations.
“Victim service providers are one of the places to go outside…
