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Apps help police catch crims

Apps help police catch crims

It's the ping on a map that is catching criminals and allowing theft victims to recover goods in record time.

Apps such as Find my iPad that help users find their stolen pieces of technology via a GPS tracking system have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of West Australians recover items in time frames police could only have dreamt of a few years ago.

Mike and Carolyn Cramb know the power of the apps all too well after their Hamilton Hill house was ransacked last week.

The couple returned home on Saturday morning after spending the night at a friend's place to discover everything from jewellery to power tools and even underwear had been stolen.

Their iPad was one of the items taken. Their daughter Penelope alerted them to the Find my iPad app and within five minutes the tablet was tracked to a home less than 2km away in Spearwood.

When the case came to the attention of Acting Sgt Jason Skuse and his policing team in Hamilton Hill, they got straight on the case.

"Jason was pretty keen to get something happening and they organised to get a warrant (based on the iPad's location)," Mr Cramb said. "They raided them on Sunday evening and it was exactly where the GPS said it was - in the front of the house."

The Crambs estimate they have been able to recover belongings valued at about $10,000. "All the stuff you'd really miss and we can't replace, we got back," Mr Cramb said.

Acting Sgt Skuse charged a 34-year-old woman over the burglary.

He said using apps to track stolen items and those who took them was happening often. "Early reports and up-to-date information are crucial to us taking action quickly before property is moved, sold or devices are switched off," Acting Sgt Skuse said.

He said high-density housing often made it harder to accurately pinpoint where the GPS signal was coming from.

Insp. Dominic Wood said the public should gather as much information as soon as possible and contact police. "We don't recommend approaching or challenging someone suspected of the theft of your property," he said.

Anyone with information about the Crambs' other items should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.