An Apple AirTag has helped police in Florida arrest an airline worker accused of stealing $15,000 worth of items from luggage. The suspect, 19-year-old Giovanni De Luca, was charged with two counts of grand theft after authorities recovered stolen jewellery from his home.
The incident began when a traveller reported her luggage missing after a flight to Pensacola, Florida. She had placed an AirTag inside her suitcase, which showed its location 80 km east of the airport. Police cross-referenced this location with addresses of airport employees, leading them to De Luca's home.
During the investigation, authorities linked De Luca to another theft earlier that month, where a passenger had more than $15,000 worth of jewellery and other items stolen. De Luca admitted to rummaging through luggage and removing an AirTag, but the woman's suitcase has not been recovered.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest last week. AirTags, introduced by Apple in 2021, have become popular for tracking luggage amid post-pandemic travel chaos and staff shortages at airports. However, they have also faced criticism over stalking concerns, prompting Apple to publish a safety guide in January.
