A quarter of people who bought a GPS tracking device in 2023 had a record of domestic violence according to analysis by the NSW.
During its research, the Commission referred nearly 400 people to NSW Police for investigation.
Here’s what you need to know.
NSW Crime Commission
The NSW Crime Commission examined sales data from over 5,600 tracking devices over 2023. It identified 3,147 customers, and compared this data to criminal records.
One in four of these customers had a history ofoffending.
Around 4% (126) of these customers had an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) out against them at the time of purchase.
The findings are the first of their kind in Australia.
GPS tracking links to crime
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37% of these tracking device customers had a criminal history relating to offences like violence or drug trafficking.
Another 15% were known to NSW Police for being associated with serious or organised crime activity. The Commission identified a “strong” link between organised crime and domestic violence through the use of GPS devices for tracking intimate partners.
The research also uncovered the illegal use of tracking devices within the private investigator industry.
Recommendations
The NSW Crime Commission made five key recommendations to reduce the risk of harm caused by possession of a tracking device.
It proposed legislation to prohibit the use of tracking devices by people with an AVO and to impose restrictions for people on bail or parole.
The Commission also suggested licensing regulations for suppliers and mandates for retailers to record customer details.
