Geo catch puts California man behind bars for Verizon cell site batteries theft

In Featured News by Wireless Estimator January 18, 2021

A 32-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing four deep-cycle batteries which were used to power a San Bernardino, California Verizon cell tower site, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

On January 14, a suspect cut two padlocks to access the cell towner site at 17101 State 330 Highway. Unbeknownst to the thief, the batteries were equipped with GPS tracking devices.

On the following day, the GPS was tracked and located at the residence of Kenneth McFarlane, who is on San Bernardino felony probation, the Sheriff’s Department said. McFarlane was alone in the garage with all four stolen batteries, the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.

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Some carriers are using GPS enabled batteries that are automatically triggered when they are removed from an enclosure, rack room or shelter, alerting the NOC through text and email notifications.

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