High-Tech Theft Protection

Jeff Moses

With backpack and bike theft being the constant scourge of college students, Garmin and AT&T have come up with a solution.

The Garmin GTU 10 is a small, portable, and easily concealable tracking device that can be monitored on any tablet, smartphone, or computer within the AT&T network.

The device sets up a “geofence.” If the device is to be taken out of the “geofence,” a text message or an email will be sent to the owner to warn that their property is leaving the “geofence.”

If the owners are to catch the email or text message immediately, they can see exactly where their property is being taken and contact the appropriate authorities with the exact location of their stolen things.

But if for some reason, the owners miss the text message or email and find out later that they have been robbed, they will be able to not only find their belongings but also see all the places the device had been throughout.

Though this isn’t the first tracking device, it’s huge to be able to track it on a phone, according to Scott Huscher, a representative of AT&T.

“It’s compatible with AT&T network and your app, so you can actively track things on your phone,” Huscher said.

However, the device offers more than just anti-theft applications.

“If you’re a marathon runner and your family wants to track you when you’re no longer in sight, they can follow you with the Garmin,” Huscher said.

The device is very small and comes with a carrying case with a carabineer on it; the carabineer can easily be attached to shoelaces to keep a watchful eye on those who are the most important.

The case also comes with a Velcro strap that can be put on a dog’s collar to find wayward pets.

The device costs $200 and comes with a free year of tracking service, which will become $49.99 yearly service fee afterward.

 

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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