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Apple AirTags and GPS tracking devices are being weaponised by stalkers, fuelling a “disturbing” surge in cases and leaving victims in fear for their lives.

Abusers have been using the coin-sized devices, which can be bought for as little as £35, along with apps designed for parental control, to track ex-partners at their workplaces and keep tabs on their location.

Some survivors have been forced to flee their homes and change jobs to avoid detection, while others have been placed in safe houses.

Campaigners warn that the issue has skyrocketed since the Covid pandemic and say some police don’t take victims’ concerns seriously enough. They are also seeing an increasing number of victims sectioned because of a collapse in their mental health.

open image in gallery An Apple AirTag, which is only around 3cm wide and just 11g ( Alex Lee )

It comes as freedom of information data from police forces in England and Wales, obtained by The Independent, found there had been a shocking 896 per

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