🚫 Tracking Devices and the Law: Don’t Do It
- Falsely Accused Network
- Sep 13
- 3 min read
By Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network
In today’s world, technology makes it easier than ever to spy on people. Apple AirTags, GPS trackers, and similar devices are cheap, discreet, and simple to hide in a car or bag. Some men, consumed by suspicion that their partner or ex might be cheating, convince themselves it’s “just harmless checking.”
Let me be absolutely clear: if you attach a tracker to someone else’s vehicle or possessions without their knowledge, you are committing a criminal offence.
It doesn’t matter if you think you’re being clever. It doesn’t matter if you believe you’ll “prove the truth.” The law in England and Wales is crystal clear — and recent court cases show exactly what happens when you cross this line.
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The Case of Martin Waters – Isle of Wight
Waters thought his partner was cheating.
He attached a tracker to another man’s Volvo, hid it in a metal box, and secretly followed his movements.
Police found the device, tested the DNA, and linked it to him.
He admitted stalking, was put on 12 months’ probation, given a restraining order for two years, and ordered to pay court costs.
👉 Full article: Isle of Wight stalker attached GPS tracker to man’s Volvo (Isle of Wight County Press, 13 August 2024)
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The Case of Kevin Reid – Dorset
Reid tracked his ex-wife’s car with an Apple AirTag because he hated her new partner.
He left notes and flowers, followed her in his car, and even sent threats of suicide.
The victim became so anxious she changed her daily life, lived in fear, and altered her routines just to feel safe.
The court convicted him of harassment. He received a community order, 35 rehab days, 60 hours unpaid work, a three-year restraining order, and fines.
👉 Full article: Kevin Reid sentenced after tracking ex-wife with car AirTag (Dorset Echo, 11 April 2024)
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What the Law Says
Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, stalking and harassment include:
Following someone
Contacting them repeatedly
Interfering with their property
Watching or spying on them
Planting a tracker is surveillance. Surveillance without consent is harassment. Even if you never threaten or touch the person, the act itself is enough for a conviction.
Penalties can include:
Community orders or probation
Restraining orders banning you from contacting or approaching the person
Fines and costs
A criminal record that could damage your career and reputation forever
In more serious cases, prison
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The Reality Check for Men
I’m saying this bluntly because too many men convince themselves that “it’s just a little AirTag” or “I need to know the truth.”
It’s not clever. It’s criminal.
You will get caught. These devices send notifications, police know how to trace them, and digital evidence is hard to hide.
You will destroy your credibility. Instead of being seen as a reasonable man with suspicions, you’ll be labelled controlling, obsessive, and dangerous.
You will hand your partner or ex ammunition. If there’s already conflict — custody, divorce, or false allegations — using a tracker will be used against you in court.
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A Better Path
If you suspect infidelity, however painful that is, the answer is not tracking.
Confront the issue honestly through communication. Take care to protect yourself.
If the relationship is breaking down, seek legal advice and protect yourself properly.
Talk to a counsellor, therapist, or trusted friend — not to technology.
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Bottom Line
Men, listen carefully:
👉 Attaching a tracker to your partner’s or ex’s car is stalking.
👉 It is illegal.
👉 It will ruin your life faster than any affair ever could.
Don’t do it. Walk away, protect yourself legally, and keep your dignity.
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📩 Falsely Accused Network – Contact Us
Website: www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk
Telephone: 0204 538 8788
⚠️ Disclaimer: The Falsely Accused Network does not provide legal advice. We operate in England and Wales only. For legal advice, always consult a qualified solicitor.