Tech Developments Impacting Las Vegas Residents

FOX5 reporter Joe Vigil examines new technologies, from dementia tracking to car theft prevention and wrong-way driver detection.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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FOX5 reporter Joe Vigil has covered several technology stories in the Las Vegas Valley, including testing dementia tracking devices, investigating car theft methods involving key fob signal capture, and examining wrong-way driver detection systems across the region.

Why it matters

These technology developments are directly impacting the lives of Las Vegas residents, from helping protect vulnerable populations like those with dementia, to preventing car thefts, and improving public safety on the roads.

The details

Vigil tested dementia tracking devices that can locate a person in under 3 minutes, while also reporting on how some care facilities use Apple AirTags to track residents. He also investigated a growing trend of car thefts involving key fob signal capture, particularly targeting Nissan and Stellantis vehicles, and provided tips to prevent this. Vigil also covered wrong-way driver detection systems that use sensors and flashing signs to alert authorities and other drivers.

  • Vigil began investigating tracking devices after several people with dementia walked away from homes in North Las Vegas in recent months.
  • Vigil reported on the car theft trend and wrong-way driver detection systems since arriving in Las Vegas in 2020.

The players

Joe Vigil

A FOX5 reporter who has covered several technology stories impacting Las Vegas Valley residents.

Emergency Lifeline West

A company that explained various dementia tracking devices, including watches and necklaces, to Vigil.

DMV

Officials warned against keeping key fobs near front doors, where criminals can capture the signal.

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What they’re saying

“Really, time is of the essence. It gets cold in the desert at night. And then people are out there, they don't know where they are, they're confused.”

— Joe Vigil, FOX5 reporter (fox5vegas.com)

“People can actually, outside, walk up as close as they can to the house. And they can get that signal from your fob that's sitting right by your door in a cup or on the table or something. And they can transmit that signal right back out to the vehicle.”

— Joe Vigil, FOX5 reporter (fox5vegas.com)

“You get the VIN number for the car, and you're looking at it before you give the money. And then you say, I'm going to go to the DMV or maybe you can do it online. Here's the VIN number. Just make sure this vehicle isn't stolen.”

— Joe Vigil, FOX5 reporter (fox5vegas.com)

What’s next

The wrong-way driver detection systems are being installed at numerous locations across the Las Vegas Valley, with more planned for the future.

The takeaway

The technology developments covered by FOX5 reporter Joe Vigil are directly addressing critical issues impacting Las Vegas residents, from protecting vulnerable populations to preventing crime and improving public safety on the roads.