Coon Rapids Police urge layered approach to vehicle theft recovery

The Coon Rapids Police Department is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to improve the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle, pointing to a combination of factory installed technology, affordable consumer trackers, and old fashioned visible deterrents.

In recent public safety guidance, the department emphasized what officers call a layered defense strategy. The idea is straightforward. Use the tools already built into many modern vehicles, supplement them with low cost tracking devices if needed, and reduce risk by focusing on recovery through law enforcement rather than self intervention.

Built in vehicle technology can help, but only if it is active

Many vehicles produced in the last decade include telematics systems that can assist police during a theft investigation. The critical detail, according to Coon Rapids police, is that most of these services are subscription based and are not active unless the owner enrolls and maintains an account.

For General Motors vehicles, the most widely known option is OnStar. Once a theft is reported and a police case number is established, OnStar advisors can work directly with law enforcement to share GPS location data. Depending on the vehicle and service plan, OnStar may also be able to prevent a vehicle from restarting after it is turned off or gradually reduce engine power during a police monitored pursuit to help bring it to a safe stop.

Vehicles from brands under the Stellantis umbrella such as Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler often use SiriusXM Guardian. These systems allow owners to view their vehicle location through a mobile app and provide stolen vehicle assistance after police verify the theft. As with OnStar, an active subscription is required. If the service has expired, the hardware remains in the vehicle but cannot be accessed by authorities.

Police stress that these companies cannot legally track a vehicle simply at the owner’s request. A formal police report must be filed first.

Low cost trackers offer another option

For drivers without an active telematics subscription, the department points to consumer grade trackers as a practical alternative. Devices like the Apple AirTag or Tile cost far less than dedicated GPS trackers and do not require monthly fees.

AirTags and Tiles are not traditional GPS devices. They rely on nearby smartphones to relay their location, which means they tend to be most effective in populated or urban areas. Law enforcement agencies across the country have increasingly acknowledged their usefulness, particularly when location data is shared quickly with dispatchers.

Police advise placing trackers deep within the vehicle, such as behind interior trim, inside a seat cushion, or in the spare tire well. Obvious locations like the glove box or center console are more likely to be checked and discarded by a thief.

Safety and legal reminders from police

While tracking technology can speed recovery, Coon Rapids officers stress that it must be used responsibly. Both local police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration caution against attempting to retrieve a stolen vehicle personally.

Residents are advised to provide live location information to law enforcement and avoid confrontation. Vehicle thefts can involve organized crews, and self recovery attempts can escalate quickly into dangerous situations.

Police also continue to recommend visible deterrents such as steering wheel locks. Even the best tracking technology only helps after a vehicle is taken. Preventing the theft in the first place remains the priority.

What to have ready if your vehicle is stolen

To reduce delays during the critical early hours, police recommend keeping the following information accessible:

• Vehicle identification number
• License plate number
• Account details for OnStar, SiriusXM, or a tracking app
• Notable features such as decals, dents, or aftermarket wheels

According to the Coon Rapids Police Department, none of these steps guarantee a vehicle will be recovered. But together, they can significantly improve the odds and help officers act quickly when time matters most.

MinneapoliMedia