October 9,2007 

Bait Vehicles are standard, unmarked cars of a variety of makes and models that are equipped with GPS tracking equipment as well as remote control functionality.  The cars are deployed around the city in auto theft hot spots.  Once a suspect enters one of the vehicles, our dispatchers are notified through an alarm system, and officers are sent to locate the vehicle.  The vehicle can then be remotely disabled, so that the officers can apprehend the suspects without engaging in a vehicular pursuit.     

Nationwide Insurance reached out to the CMPD looking for a way to help reduce the incidents of Auto Theft in our city, and was excited about the existing Bait Vehicle Program.  Nationwide has supported similar projects in other jurisdictions.  

On Wednesday, October 10th, at 1300, Nationwide Insurance will be presenting the CMPD with 4 vehicles to add to the existing fleet of bait cars.  The presentation will be held at the front of the Charlotte Police and Fire Training Academy at 1770 Shopton Rd.  The tracking and control equipment for these additional vehicles is funded through the CMPD's asset forfeiture fund.   

The point of contact for the Bait Vehicle Program is Sgt. Rich Tonsberg.  He can be reached at 704.336.2292.