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The Seattle Police Department, like many departments around the country has been using a variety of techniques to reduce the number of car thefts that occur as well as increase the number of arrests for car thieves and improve the overall case for prosecution. One of the tools that is being utilized is a Bait Car. WHAT IS A BAIT CAR? A Bait Car is a specially outfitted vehicle that is left randomly in areas where car thefts have been occurring. When the car is broken into, a signal is sent to the 9-1-1 communications center, much like what happens when a bank is robbed. The car is equipped with a type of Geographic Position System that shows where it is and the direction of travel. Once patrol officers have located the vehicle, a switch can be turned that shuts the vehicle off, leaving the car thief stranded in a dead, locked vehicle. Officers then move in for an arrest. Additionally, the Bait car is equipped with video cameras that are activated when the car is initially broken into. This video can be used during ensuing court hearings to support the case against the thief. ARE BAIT CARS SUCCESSFUL? Bait Cars have been used successfully in a number of locations, both nationally and within the state in cities such as Everett. The randomness of deployment, the ability to catch a car thief in the vehicle and have a video of the entire situation have proven to be a very powerful deterrent to those inclined to steal cars. |
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