Car thefts plummet thanks to 'bait cars'

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Police say car thefts in the Canadian province of British Columbia have plummeted since they began deploying "bait cars" to apprehend thieves.

The "bait cars" are equipped with hidden interior cameras, vehicle immobilizers and GPS locators and have been in use in high-theft areas since 2003, CTV News reported.

Province-wide, car thefts have fallen 45 percent since they were deployed, a statement from British Columbia Solicitor General John van Dongen said.

The rate was higher in the Greater Vancouver area, where thefts were down 61 percent from 5,320 to 2,100 in the 5-year period, the report said.

Sgt. Gord Elias, spokesman for the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team told the Vancouver Sun said if a vehicle is stolen, the recovery rate in the province is 93 percent. He said in Ontario or Quebec, the rate is closer to 50 percent because of organized crime syndicates that ships vehicles out of the country.