Tracking devices leave thieves dumbfounded—and occasionally facing criminal charges

  • Candidates are using Apple AirTags to track stolen campaign signs
  • AirTags have led to the arrest of sign snatchers
  • Some candidates have resorted to extreme measures to protect their signs

Political candidates have found a new way to combat the problem of stolen campaign signs: Apple AirTags. These small geotracking devices are being hidden in signs, allowing candidates to track them when they go missing. The pings from the AirTags have led to the doorstep of alleged sign snatchers and even some candidates’ opponents. Thieves have been left dumbfounded and have faced charges of theft, criminal mischief, and receiving stolen property. Some candidates have gone to extreme measures to protect their signs, such as embedding them with razorblades or smearing them with grease. With the use of AirTags, candidates now have a more effective tool to catch sign snatchers and protect their campaign materials.·

Factuality Level: 4
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed account of how political candidates are using Apple AirTags to track stolen campaign signs, including specific examples and quotes from individuals involved. While the article focuses on a specific trend in local elections, it lacks broader context or analysis on the implications of using such tracking devices in political campaigns. The article also contains some anecdotal information and quotes that may not be directly relevant to the main topic.·
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides detailed information about how political candidates are using Apple AirTags to track stolen campaign signs, including specific examples and outcomes. It also explores the common issue of sign stealing in U.S. politics and the various measures candidates take to protect their signs. The article stays on topic and supports its claims with real-life examples and quotes from individuals involved. However, the article could benefit from a more critical analysis of the implications of using tracking devices in local elections and the broader impact on political campaigns.·
Public Companies: Apple (AAPL)
Key People: John Dittmore (Candidate running in a Republican primary for a seat on the Brevard County Commission in Florida), Vinny Panico (Deputy Mayor of the township of Readington, N.J.), Mike Lambrechts (First-time candidate in 2022 for a seat on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission in Florida), Chris Torre (Write-in candidate for a seat on the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors in Virginia), Renee Rountree (Political opponent of Chris Torre)

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Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: This article does not pertain to financial topics or events that impact financial markets or companies. It discusses the use of Apple AirTags by political candidates to track stolen campaign signs, which is not directly related to financial matters.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: ·

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com