Originally Posted by
gpburdell
Any device is likely to have a purchase cost, though TMO did have a free-with-24-months-bill-credits promo on the device earlier this year.
Of course. We don't know what cheap means to the OP. I was actually pointing out that one had to take into account any subscription costs (in addition to the device cost).
Some trackers (like the Apple Airtag) don't require a subscription (which means they will be cheaper long term). Though, for the Airtag, you might need to have other Apple stuff.
Originally Posted by
gpburdell
Calling the police may have mixed results. In a rural or low-density suburban area it'd be easier to identify the specific residence and get the police to obtain a search warrant. With multi-unit buildings the tracker isn't going to give the specific unit. See the various mixed experiences people have had with phone & computer location tracking (FindMy and equivalents). Sometimes it works out, often it doesn't.
Nothing is going to be perfect. The only real option is to call the police. Not having a device would
never "work out". Dealing with it yourself isn't really an option.
Originally Posted by
gpburdell
There remains the question of just exactly what one is going to do when standing outside the house or apartment building that the tracker is reporting from.
The answer to this is obviously "call the cops". It's the only option (whether or not it will work).
People with the idea of using a tracker tend to be overly optimistic about how well it will works.
The issue with how well calling the cops is going to work is only one problem with using trackers. Trackers will have "mixed" results due to other reasons as well.