JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Your cell phone is becoming an investigative tool for some local officers trying to find stolen items.
It proved to be handy for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in a recent carjacking case.
"The victim actually had her car stolen and had left a phone with tracking capabilities or an app, if you will, in the vehicle," said JSO's Shannon Hartley.
It's called the "Find My iPhone" app.
The victim, Suzanne Piehl, was visiting the Riverside area on business when, police say, she was carjacked by two men.
"While I was messing around in the trunk two guys came up behind me and jumped into my car and drove away with all my stuff," said Piehl.
Piehl reported the car stolen on Lomax Avenue but after realizing her iPhone was still in the car, she used the app to track it down.
The car was eventually located at West State Street, almost 2.5 miles away from where she was carjacked.
"One of the policemen had an iPhone too, and I just said we need to get onto your phone to find my iPhone," said Piehl.
The trick is slowly becoming a secret weapon for some officers.
"I think it's becoming more common among patrol officers to check that as part of their investigative techniques," said Hartley.
According to the police report, the car was abandoned by the suspects who made off with all of Piehl's belongings.
Police say the fact the car was even found gives investigators a big boost.
"In this case, we were very fortunate that she left her phone in her car," said Hartley.
JSO is still looking for the suspects in this case. Call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS if you have any information.
