A San Antonio man was able to locate his Kubota tractor through the use of a Bluetooth tracking device, five months after the equipment had been stolen.
Frio County deputies say the man was traveling along County Road 2662 when he received a notification from an Apple AirTag tracking device that had been placed on the Kubota tractor before it was taken in February.
During a roadside interview with the man, deputies were presented with the original purchasing receipt and a report of the missing tractor filed with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Owners of the property, a couple relocating from North Texas, claimed they purchased the Kubota tractor from a social media page. The couple also said they could not remember the name of the seller and had no records of communication between themselves and the person from whom they had purchased the tractor.
The tractor was returned to the owner.
Apple AirTags were launched in 2022 and have become a practical and innovative tool to help individuals track valuables, animals, luggage and everyday items such as keys.
In some cases law enforcement officials are able to take advantage of the technology to track down thieves and recover stolen property.
“In this case we are happy to have been able to recover this item,” Chief Deputy Peter Salinas said. “Technology continues to even the odds in our favor when it comes to these criminal acts. We ask all of our community members to take whatever precautions they can take to help us locate their property. Together, we can be successful.”
