LoJack® System Helps Fresno HEAT ATTF Recover Stolen Ford Escape
- July 20, 2015
- recovery stories
Lithia Ford of Fresno installed a LoJack tracking device in this Ford Escape as part of a preinstall program. The program enhances sales and also provides an added measure of asset security while vehicles are on the dealership lot.
The owner of this Ford contacted the Fresno Police Department to report that her vehicle was stolen in the middle of the night from in front of her residence. The Fresno PD verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers which automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the Ford.
About 5 hours after the police entered the Ford, an investigator from Fresno HEAT, the Fresno County Auto Theft Task Force picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Ford with the LoJack Police Tracking Computer (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, the investigator tracked the Ford to the vicinity of Fresno and Bullard Avenues in northeast Fresno. The Ford was found unoccupied in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Investigators initiated surveillance of the Ford and within 30 minutes, an adult male approached, entered the vehicle and began to drive away. Investigators quickly converged upon the Ford and took the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect was arrested and booked into jail for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property.
The Ford was recovered intact and undamaged; it was released to the owner at the scene.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Ford in December of 2013 at Lithia Ford of Fresno, California.