LoJack® System Helps Los Angeles Police Department Recover Stolen Ford Escape
- February 3, 2016
- recovery stories
The owners of a 2016 Ford Escape contacted the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to report that their vehicle was stolen by a named suspect who apparently removed the keys from a facility for AA counseling. 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 Ford Escape.
Within less than 10 minutes the Los Angeles Police Department flight officers in Air-18 picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Ford with the LoJack Police Tracking Computers (PTC) that are installed in patrol vehicles and aircraft. Officers from the LAPD Central Division observed the airship circulating in an orbit and radioed them asking if they needed assistance. The patrol unit was informed that Air- 18 was tracking the stolen Ford Escape in the area of Figueroa and Main St. Air-18 further indicated they had located the Ford parked on a sidewalk on Main St north of Figueroa. The patrol unit responded to that location and confirmed that the Ford Escape was in fact the reported stolen. The officers set surveillance on the Ford and within five minutes observed a male adult walk up to the vehicle, open it and began removing items. The suspect entered the Ford, started it, at which time the officers deployed taking the suspect into custody without further incident. During the field investigation the officers located the keys on his person and identified him as the listed suspect. The suspect was later booked for the vehicle theft and the undamaged Ford was stored for safe keeping.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Ford Escape in October 2015 at Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, California.