A locator for capacitively sensing an object includes a transmission electrode to which an excitation signal can be applied, a reception electrode, a sensing region in the region of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, and a measuring device for sensing a capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. The locator further includes a processing device for determining the presence of the object in the sensing region if the sensed capacitance differs from a reference capacitance, and a screening electrode that is arranged in the region of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. The screening electrode is connected to a potential so as to reduce the base capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode.