Better Bait, Better Catch

In 2005, more than 33 percent of all vehicles thefts reported in the United States took place in the four southwestern border States of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, according to Uniform Crime Reports. In 2007, the Border Research and Technology Center (BRTC)-Western Region undertook a review of lessons learned in the use of "bait vehicle" technologies as a means of combating motor vehicle theft along the southwest border.

The report, "Bait Vehicle" Technologies and Motor Vehicle Theft Along the Southwest Border, describes bait vehicle projects, their results, and potential implications for law enforcement with a focus on law enforcement agencies and organizations using vehicles and technologies to prevent and investigate cross border auto theft. Findings show that recorded audio and video from inside bait vehicles have proven extremely effective in court proceedings and that live streaming video from inside bait vehicles is the next step in improvement of technology to maximize bait vehicle effectiveness. In addition, information received through such organizations as the Border Auto Theft Information Center in El Paso, Texas, also suggests the potential application of geospatial tools in performing information analysis should more precise and systematic recovery location information become available on motor vehicles stolen in the United States and found in Mexico.

"Bait Vehicle" Technologies and Motor Vehicle Theft Along the Southwest Border is available on request through BRTC-Western Operations at brtcwestops@sbcglobal.net.