New powers to search UK homes for stolen bikes identified by Apple airTag

Police will be granted new authority to search homes for stolen bicycles without a warrant, under new legislation set to be introduced in the UK Parliament.

The Crime and Policing Bill is likely to happen with ministers aiming to pass it into law by the end of the year.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the bill would help “take back our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order.” The proposed legislation consolidates various pledges from Labour’s general election manifesto. However, obvious concerns include whether police forces have adequate resources to enforce any new law.

One key provision will allow police to enter and search properties without a warrant if a stolen bike has been electronically tracked through GPS or with other technology tracking such as Apple AirTag. This aims to assist victims who can track their stolen bicycles and facilitate quicker police intervention.

Take Out

I tentatively welcome this despite not wanting to lose my freedom and have police enter my house without a warrant. On the flip side, I don’t have any stolen goods on my property.

I have been involved with a friend who successfully located his stolen bike, which ended up at a residential property along with many others. He had senior contacts in the police force who eventually secured a warrant. Even with this warrant, the police refused to execute it because ‘they might get hurt entering the property’. Yes, you couldn’t make it up. The new law will not address this problem, which is the risk to the policeman. (Folks in the USA: No guns here)

More: Apple AirTag 2 coming soon.