Apple’s AirPods are proving to be more than just wireless earphones after an unusual incident in Venice showed how their tracking capabilities can be used in real-world emergencies. A U.S. tourist was able to recover her stolen wallet by following the location of her AirPods, which had been inside the bag taken by a young female pickpocket. The event highlights how Apple’s Find My network has become an important tool not only for lost devices but also for situations involving theft.
The tourist realized her wallet was missing only after returning to her Airbnb following a day out in Venice. Since her AirPods had also been taken, she quickly checked their location using the Find My app on her iPhone. The signal pointed to a spot nearby, leading her directly to the girl who had picked her pocket earlier in the day. Rather than losing sight of the device, she was able to track it in real time until she caught up with the suspect carrying her stolen belongings.
Reports say the tourist grabbed the pickpocket by the hair to prevent her from escaping before local police arrived. Although such confrontations are risky, the incident highlights how powerful Apple’s tracking ecosystem can be in high-pressure situations. Without the AirPods’ location data, the theft might never have been solved on the spot. Police in Venice eventually took custody of the suspect and returned the wallet to its owner.
This is not the first time Apple products have been used to help locate stolen items. Similar cases involving AirTags and iPhones have shown how ordinary devices can act as trackers through Apple’s global Find My network. In this case, it was AirPods that turned out to be the key. While designed for listening, their integration into Apple’s ecosystem means they can double as location beacons when connected to an iPhone.
For travelers, the story serves as a reminder to keep devices linked to Find My whenever possible. AirPods, Apple Watches, iPhones, and AirTags can all be tracked across distances, offering some peace of mind in case of theft or loss. Venice authorities continue to warn visitors about pickpocketing, but this incident demonstrates how technology can change the outcome in a matter of minutes.
