LoJack Aids LAPD in Uncovering Motorcycle Chop Shop, Multiple Stolen Bikes Recovered
- August 23, 2012
- recovery stories
On July 26, 2012, the owner of a 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle contacted the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood Division to report that his motorcycle had been stolen. LAPD verified the theft and entered the Yamaha’s information into the state and federal crime computers, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the vehicle.
Within an hour of activation, deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s Walnut Station had picked up the silent LoJack signal from the motorcycle on the LoJack Police Tracking Computer installed in their patrol vehicles. Following the audible and directional signals from the LoJack computers, the deputies tracked the motorcycle to the 18400 block of Mescal Street. As they were searching the area, they observed a vehicle stop at a residence, and a male exit the vehicle and flee on foot. Deputies began searching the area where the subject had been seen and where the strongest signal had been noted. They quickly found an open garage door and inside observed several motorcycles, along with a stripped black Yamaha. Deputies contacted the female resident of the property, who gave consent to search the garage.
It was determined that the stripped Yamaha was the motorcycle reported stolen earlier to the LAPD. While searching the garage, deputies observed five motorcycle engines, as well as numerous parts from various motorcycles, including a salvage motorcycle from Arizona and two other sport-type bikes. Deputies determined that this was a Chop Shop, and notified the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft Prevention (TRAP). All of the motorcycles were confiscated as evidence, along with the engines, several of which were identified as stolen by the LAPD. The Yamaha was estimated at $13,000 in value, and the stolen engines and parts were worth at least $26,000. The investigation remains ongoing.
The LoJack Vehicle Recovery System was installed in the Yamaha YZF-R6 at Berts Mega Mall in December of 2006.