Saskatoon police say at least 10 GPS devices still unaccounted for after man accused of illegal tracking

Saskatoon police are currently in the midst of a troubling case involving a man accused of planting GPS trackers on vehicles in the city. Marty Schira, 46, is facing a total of 36 charges, including harassment, intimidation, mischief, fraudulent use of a computer system, and fraudulent concealment of a computer system. Each tracker located on a vehicle results in at least an additional five charges, making this a complex and serious investigation.

So far, police have discovered seven trackers on vehicles in Saskatoon, all of which were found underneath the vehicle, inside the rear fender wall, near the tire. However, authorities believe that there are at least 10 more trackers still out there, possibly even more. Staff Sgt. Brett Maki emphasized the importance of locating these trackers before their batteries lose energy and die, urging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious devices found on their vehicles.

The trackers are installed with magnets, wrapped in black tape, and will look out of place. Maki advised people to take their vehicles to a mechanic if they are unsure where to look for these devices. The investigation began after a citizen reported finding two trackers on his vehicle, leading officers to search an apartment where more trackers were discovered.

Schira is alleged to have used trackers owned by a subscription-based company, and his name was linked to additional trackers. While Schira knows some of the people being tracked, others are unknown to him. This has caused alarm among residents, with some feeling uncomfortable and uneasy knowing that their locations were being monitored without their consent.

One couple, Daelyn Boettcher and Mackenzie Hanson, discovered trackers on their truck and reported them to the police. Hanson later learned about Schira’s criminal history, including a previous conviction for sexual assault and kidnapping. This revelation has left her feeling unsafe and constantly looking over her shoulder.

Schira’s previous convictions paint a troubling picture of a dangerous individual with a history of violence and sexual deviancy. Despite past attempts at rehabilitation, a psychological risk assessment conducted in 2016 suggested that he was likely to reoffend if released.

The use of GPS tracker technology has both positive and negative implications, with benefits such as tracking stolen vehicles or ensuring safety during outdoor activities. However, when used maliciously, trackers can infringe on privacy and security, as seen in this case.

As the investigation continues, Saskatoon police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to GPS trackers. With the potential for more devices still undiscovered, it is crucial to work together to ensure the safety and privacy of all residents in the city.