Personal GPS Tracking Device Leads to Burglary Arrest

15 Jul 2014

CBS 5 – KPHO

A man whose home was burglarized helps lead to arrest thanks to personal GPS tracking of his valuables.

It is not uncommon to hear news stories that involve using global positioning systems (GPS) tracking devices for catching criminals, whether it is a pharmacy nabbing a pill snatcher, local sheriff catching a stolen trailer thief, or a clever realtor tracking down stolen house for sale signs. Now, a resident of Arizona proves GPS tracking devices can be used on smaller items to help lead to an arrest should it get stolen.

Allen Crosby of Phoenix, Arizona was recently burglarized. The would-be thief made off with more than $10,000 worth of valuables, including electronics and jewelry, from his home.

Luckily for him, he thought ahead by protecting his valuables with a micro personal GPS tracking unit. These are tiny, hardly noticeable to those not looking for it, and can track the location of the item it was placed on.

Like many other GPS devices, the micro chip is activated and tracked with a mobile phone app. The tracker the Yavapai County Sheriff department used to locate the subject was hidden inside a stolen camera. Using satellite images, the police department and Crosby watched the suspect’s vehicle pull up into his driveway in Chino Valley, remove the bags and put them in his house, and even what room they were hid in.

Crosby activated the app on his phone while the police were at the suspect’s house. The homeowner let the police in to begin searching for the stolen items. The GPS unit began making a beeping sound, alerting the police to its exact location. They followed the beep to the stolen jewelry and electronics.

“I was on the phone talking to the detectives there are the same time. So, every time the button was pushed to make the sound, I would hear it through the phone.” Said Crosby.

Thanks to Crosby’s decision to track some of his more important valuables and the police following the location, an arrest was made only 24 hours after the burglary. They arrested the homeowner’s son, 37-year-old James Yunis. He is a convicted felon who previously served time for drug charges.

Even though some of his wife’s jewelry was not recovered and likely already taken to a pawn shop, Crosby is thankful he didn’t shy away from technology, but embraced its abilities.

“I’m an older person and I like to say sometimes that technology is almost like the root of all evil lately, but in this case, it definitely is not.” He told reporters.

After his arrest, Yunis brought to and booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center. His charges are theft control of stolen property with a bail set for $10,000. Due to a joint investigation involving Yunis and the Phoenix Police Department, he might be facing additional charges.

If this teaches the general public anything, it is that GPS tracking devices can be used to track just about anything. To safeguard your valuables, consider adding a micro device to your suitcase or briefcase when traveling, the collar of your pet, on your car, and all valuables in your home, including jewelry, watches, electronics, cell phones, and cameras.


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