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Councillor Uses AirTag to Catch Thief Stealing Historic Wall Stones
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What Happened?
In Lancashire, councillor Matt Smith hid an Apple AirTag in a stone of an 18th-century wall to track a thief. The police arrested a man who pleaded guilty to theft.
Key points
- Councillor Matt Smith hid an Apple AirTag in a stone to track a thief stealing from an 18th-century wall.
- The wall, located near Rufford Old Hall, has been targeted multiple times since May 2025.
- The thief was tracked to an address in Wigan, leading to an arrest.
- Craig Barker, 41, pleaded guilty to theft and handling stolen goods, receiving a suspended sentence.
- The recovered stones were valued at around £7,000, with an estimated total value of £40,000 for all stolen stones.
Key insights
- The successful use of technology like AirTags can enhance community safety measures.
- Community engagement played a crucial role in recovering stolen property.
- The case underscores the importance of local policing in heritage crime prevention.
Why it matters
This incident highlights community efforts in preserving heritage and combating theft.
Tags
Entities
Matt Smith· PersonRufford Old Hall· LocationWigan· CityCraig Barker· PersonLancashire· State
Source
Times of India
