The New York Police Department is going to insert GPS tracking devices into prescription drug bottles, saying it will help to fight theft of prescription drugs.

The NYPD is asking pharmacies in and around the city to stock fake pill bottles with the GPS tracking chips right next to real pill bottles. That way they can hunt down the thieves if bottles are stolen.

Prescription drug abuse "can serve as a gateway to criminal activities, especially among young people," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.

"In the event of a robbery or theft, we'll be able to track the bottle, which may lead us to stash locations across the city," he said.

Kelly said the program was prompted by a spate of high-profile crimes sparked by the thriving black market for prescription drugs.