Bait cars are specially equipped vehicles placed on the street in the hopes of attracting thieves. The cars, which are camouflaged to look like normal vehicles, send a signal to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) when entered or started. ECC personnel can then track the vehicle via GPS technology and remotely control several of the vehicle’s functions, including the engine. This remote control significantly reduces the possibility of a stolen bait car being involved in a high-speed pursuit, and decreases the risk to officers when apprehending a suspect in a bait car.

The ACPD bait car program is the latest strategy in the Auto Theft Unit’s fight against car thefts and thefts from autos. Since its inception in February 2001, the bait car program has resulted in four arrests for crimes ranging from grand larceny to possession of burglarious tools. In addition to these arrests, the program also serves as a deterrent to vehicle-related crimes since any car in Arlington targeted by thieves could be a bait car.

Bait car programs of varying sophistication are in use across the U.S., but Arlington is the first jurisdiction (other than the test site of Minneapolis) in the nation to use the advanced technology offered by HGI Wireless. The HGI Wireless system enables ACPD and ECC personnel to monitor a bait car’s status, track its location and remotely control the vehicle’s engine.

Crime Solvers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of this suspect. Callers to Crime Solvers remain anonymous and do not need to testify in court.

MEDIA NOTE: Videotape and pictures of this incident are available from the ACPD Public Information Office by emailing a request to jritte@co.arlington.va.us or by calling Det. John Ritter at the number below.

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