The use of tracking devices has seen a significant increase in New South Wales, but a disturbing trend has emerged. According to a recent NSW Crime Commission report, one in four individuals purchasing these devices have a history of domestic violence. This troubling statistic highlights the need for tighter regulations to prevent the misuse of tracking devices by offenders to stalk, harass, and intimidate their victims.
Alarming Statistics
The NSW Crime Commission analyzed data from over 5,500 tracking devices sold to more than 3,000 customers in 2023. The findings were alarming:
- 37% of customers were known to police for various reasons.
- 25% had a history of domestic and family violence (DFV).
- 15% were linked to serious and organized crime.
- 9% had histories of both domestic violence and organized crime.
These statistics underscore the growing misuse of tracking devices for malicious purposes, particularly in domestic violence scenarios.
Tracking Devices and Domestic Violence
Tracking devices have become tools for perpetrators of domestic violence to maintain control over their victims. The report states, “Tracking and other surveillance devices are frequently used by perpetrators of domestic and family violence to stalk, harass, intimidate and monitor victims, sometimes leading to violent outcomes.” The devices are part of a broader strategy to intimidate and control intimate partners, perpetuating the cycle of abuse even after a relationship has ended.
Phillip Ripper, CEP of No to Violence, an organisation that works with men to curb violent offending, said that tracking a partner was an “absolute red flag to increasingly harmful forms of family violence”.
“Make no mistake, tracking and surveillance are all part of stalking behaviours, all parts of coercive control and all constitute family violence in their own right,” Mr Ripper told AAP.
Case Studies and Legal Actions
One notable case detailed in the report involved a woman who discovered an Apple AirTag hidden in her vehicle. Her ex-partner had been driving past her house multiple times a day and calling her incessantly. Using an anti-stalking app, she found the AirTag inside a magnetic box on her car. This incident highlights how easily accessible tracking devices can become instruments of fear and control.
The report also noted that between 2010 and 2023, NSW police charged 219 people under the Surveillance Devices Act, with about a third of the 438 charges related to the unlawful use of tracking devices. The introduction of the Apple AirTag in 2021 contributed to this rise, with 14 offenders charged for unlawful use of these devices since their market release.
Calls for Stricter Regulations
In light of these findings, the Crime Commission has called for tighter controls on the sale and use of tracking devices. They recommend that these devices include built-in anti-stalking measures and that their use be considered in bail and apprehended violence order (AVO) conditions to protect victims. Additionally, the commission highlighted the role of some private investigators and spy stores in marketing these devices to individuals intending to misuse them.
Global Perspective
While the study focused on New South Wales, similar incidents have been reported globally. Fox News reports that in Arlington, Texas, a man named Shannon Boyd used a tracking device to follow his ex-girlfriend. This led to a violent confrontation where he shot her. Arlington Police Chief Al Jones remarked, “This officer-involved shooting was an end result of a horrific domestic violence incident that involved a man that intended to kill an innocent woman.”
The woman, accompanied by a male friend, noticed Boyd trailing them and pulled over at a park. Boyd instructed the friend to leave, and fearing for his safety, he called 911. The woman survived the attack and is currently recovering in the hospital. This case illustrates the lethal potential of tracking devices in domestic violence scenarios.
Recommendations for Victims
The report advises victims of domestic violence to remain vigilant for signs of being tracked. It suggests using anti-stalking mobile applications and regularly checking personal belongings and vehicles for hidden devices. Victims are also encouraged to seek legal protection and support from law enforcement and domestic violence organizations.
The rising misuse of tracking devices by domestic violence offenders necessitates immediate action. The statistics from the NSW Crime Commission reveal a significant threat to the safety and well-being of victims. Stricter regulations, combined with public awareness and robust support systems, are crucial to combat this insidious form of abuse. As technology evolves, so must the measures to protect vulnerable individuals from its potential misuse.
Featured image: Tracking device. Source: GrafKoks / Adobe Stock.
