Tile Mate (Air Tag) Giveaway to Help Track Vehicles
On September 28th, the Takoma Park Police Department hosted a successful Tile Mate giveaway event under beautiful weather. We distributed approximately 134 Tile Mate devices to local residents to help them locate their vehicles in the unfortunate event of theft. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to enhance community safety and security.
We are thrilled by the turnout and enthusiasm from our residents and want to extend our thanks to everyone who came out. We still have more Tile Mate devices available and will be organizing another giveaway event soon. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements, which will be posted on our website, shared via email, and across all our social media platforms.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff who contributed their time and effort to make this event such a success.
Video: How To Set Up A Tile Mate – Connect To Your Phone
To help our residents keep track of their valuables, Takoma Park Police will be distributing free tracking tags to residents of Takoma Park. These tags are tracking devices that can aid in locating and recovering missing or stolen property. Distribution will occur while supplies last – first come, first served.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Participants must live in Takoma Park.
- Participants must have a photo identification card and matching vehicle registration showing proof of address.
- Employees of the City are eligible if they live in Takoma Park.
What is Tile Mate?
The Tile Mate is an effective tool for locating lost items through two primary methods. The tracker emits a Bluetooth signal that, when detected by a device running the Tile app, allows the Tile network to determine a rough GPS location based on the phone it pinged. This GPS data helps the owner get close enough to establish a direct Bluetooth connection with their Tile Mate. Once connected, the tracker can play a ringtone to assist in its retrieval. Additionally, users can press a button on the Tile Mate to ring their phone, making it easier to locate a misplaced device.
Tile Mate air tags are compatible with both iPhone and Android phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tile Mate and how does it work? Tile Mate is a Bluetooth tracker that helps you locate items, such as a vehicle. You attach the Tile Mate to your item, and using the Tile app on your phone, you can locate the item if it’s within Bluetooth range.
How do I set up Tile Mate? To set up Tile Mate, download the Tile app on your iPhone or Android phone, create an account, and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Tile Mate with your phone.
Does Tile Mate require a subscription? Tile Mate works without a subscription, but Tile offers a premium service called Tile Premium, which provides additional features like Smart Alerts, unlimited sharing, and an extended warranty.
What is the Bluetooth range of Tile Mate? What happens if my Tile Mate is out of range? Tile Mate has a Bluetooth range of up to 250 feet (76 meters) in an open space. The range may vary depending on the environment and any potential obstructions. If your Tile Mate is out of range, the Tile app will show you the last known location on the map. You can also use the Tile community feature, where other Tile users can help locate your item if it’s near them.
How long does the Tile Mate battery last and is it replaceable? Tile Mate has a replaceable battery that lasts about a year. When the battery runs low, you’ll receive a notification, and you can easily replace it with a CR1632 coin battery.
Can Tile Mate be used internationally? Yes, Tile Mate works anywhere in the world as long as you have Bluetooth and GPS on your phone. However, the community find feature depends on the presence of other Tile users in the area.
Is Tile Mate waterproof? Tile Mate is not waterproof but is water-resistant. It can withstand splashes or brief exposure to water but should not be submerged.
What kinds of tags are available in the program? Takoma Park Police will distribute the Tile Mate air tag product.
I own three cars. How many devices can I receive for free? Can I pay to receive additional tags? There is a limit of one free tracking device per resident/vehicle. You may not purchase more from Takoma Park Police.
Do I own the tracking device or is it the property of Takoma Park Police? Yes. The device is yours to keep.
I’m selling my car. Can I move the device to another vehicle? Yes. The device belongs to the resident and can be moved to a new vehicle.
How does the program work? If your vehicle is stolen, you can log into your account and show the officer where your device is pinging.
Can Takoma Park Police track my car when I’m driving it? No. The device can only be accessed by the owner of the device. Participating in the program means you are pledging to share tracking data if your vehicle is stolen at a future date.
What happens if someone steals my vehicle? What steps should I take? Report it. Call our local number 301-270-1100 or 911 and let the communications dispatcher know that your vehicle has a tracking device. When responding officers arrive, you will have to provide them with the real-time location of the device.
Who is eligible for the program? Residents of the City of Takoma Park. (City employees who live in Takoma Park are eligible).
Are motorcycles eligible? Yes — all motor vehicles are eligible.
Are there other devices that I can use to track my vehicle? Any vehicle with an installed tracking device will provide information that can aid in locating and recovering missing or stolen property. This includes factory-installed or after-market devices on most major-brand vehicles. Additionally, GPS and Bluetooth tracking services like the ones listed below will also help track vehicles: OnStar, SiriusXM Guardian, LoJack, Stargard and more.
