Airtag or Tile? Your choice of tracker up for grabs
February 27, 2025
If you’ve ever had a bike pinched, you’ll know how gut-wrenching an experience it can be. It can be even more frustrating if you've fitted a tracker and have its location, but no guarantee of recovery.
Now, new government plans could change that. The latest crime and policing bill will let police enter properties without a warrant if a tracker shows a stolen bike (or phone, or laptop) is inside. In theory, that means fewer delays, fewer legal hoops to jump through, and more bikes recovered before thieves have the chance to strip them for parts.
That sounds like good news, but will it actually lead to more cyclists turning to AirTags or Tiles? And, more importantly, will it mean more stolen bikes actually making it home?
There’s no doubt AirTags and Tiles work. AirTags, with their integration into Apple’s vast “Find My” network, are great in cities - there are iPhones everywhere, after all. Tile has a slightly longer Bluetooth range and works across platforms, but relies on other Tile users passing by, which can mean patchier coverage.
Even with pinpoint accuracy, though, finding your stolen bike is only half the battle. Many cyclists who’ve tracked down their missing rides have hit a wall when asking police to act. Will this law change that? Possibly. But with limited police resources, there’s no guarantee officers will actually be able to drop everything and raid a flat because your AirTag says your bike’s inside.
The reality is, while trackers might help, they’re by no means a magic bullet. DIY recovery is risky (police strongly advise against it), and enforcement is still hit and miss. So while this law might make a difference for some, the only real safeguard against bike theft is a solid cycle insurance policy - one that covers theft and gets you back on two wheels, no matter what.
Tag or Tile? Win a tracker of your choice
Thinking of adding a tracker to your bike? We’re giving one away. Just comment ‘Tag’ or ‘Tile’ to let us know your preference, and we’ll enter you into our prize draw next week.
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.
Information correct at time of publication.
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