LoJack® System Helps Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Recover Stolen Honda Civic
- November 16, 2015
- recovery stories
The owners of a 1995 Honda Civic contacted the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to report that their vehicle was stolen by an unknown thief. Deputies verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers which automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the Honda.
Within 6 minutes from activation of the LoJack entry, the LASD’s Air-7 flight deputies picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Honda with the LoJack Police Tracking Computers (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, they tracked the Honda to Loma Ave and the Whittier Narrows Recreation area. Air-7 advised responding units that the stolen Honda had just turned on Klingerman St and was headed towards the approaching patrol vehicle. The thief apparently observed the approaching patrol unit and the helicopter, turned into a driveway of a business, exited the Honda and ran into the business. As assisting units arrived, numerous employees ran out of the business, stating the suspect had run thru the building and was apparently hiding. A Canine deputy arrived with his partner and the search began. Within a few minutes, the suspect was found hiding in a crawl hole and decided to surrender rather than facing the Canine. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Shaved keys (commonly used by car thieves) were found in his possession as well as hypodermic needles and what appeared to be methamphetamine. The undamaged Honda was later released to the owner. It was noted that the suspect had cold plated the Honda with another license plate that had not yet been reported stolen.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Honda Civic in October 1999 at by Canyon Acura in Anaheim, CA.