CT first bus agency in region to use bait cars

Any good angler knows that to catch anything, the right bait is required.

Now, Community Transit and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office have made a significant addition to their tackle box when fishing for crooks: a bait car

Despite ongoing patrol efforts, Community Transit’s 19 Park &Ride lots offer plenty of opportunity for thieves. With the start of the bait-car program, breaking into a car in a CT lot now carries much more risk of being caught, according to a CT news release.

A bait car is equipped with hidden cameras to record the break-in and theft. Once broken into, a bait car sends a signal that notifies Community Transit’s transit police, a contracted unit from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Using a GPS system, the vehicle’s location is tracked and police are dispatched to the location. Once in position, officers can use a remote control to turn off the engine and lock the doors, trapping the suspect. Video from the small, hidden cameras can be used as evidence in court.

Parking lots are like a smorgasbord to car thieves, says Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dave Sorenson.

“Car prowls and thefts are an issue anywhere a lot of vehicles are parked,” Sorenson said. “This program should discourage car thieves from ‘shopping’ at (CT) facilities, because if they continue to do so, we’re going to catch them.”

Large signs have been posted at the entrances to all park &ride lots as a warning to would-be thieves. The agency will not disclose the make or number of bait vehicles in service. While bait cars have been used in many cities, Community Transit is the first transit agency in the Pacific Northwest to try the tactic.

Besides the bait-car program, Sheriff’s Office deputies use bicycle patrols, unmarked cars and surveillance vehicles to watch for criminals.

In recent months, deputies have caught five would-be car thieves and numerous car prowlers. In the past year, car thefts from Snohomish County park &ride lots dropped from 131 to 85.

Community Transit CEO Joyce Olson said the new program adds another layer of security for bus passengers who use park &ride lots.

“We want our passengers to feel safe when they use our facilities, and our partnership with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has enhanced safety,” she said.