LoJack System Helps Westminster Police Department Recover Stolen Honda Accord
- November 17, 2017
- recovery stories
The owner of a 2007 Honda Accord contacted the Santa Ana Police Department to report his vehicle was stolen by his brother. The victim received a phone call from his sister about the theft. The sister told him another brother, who had been kicked out of the family home, walked into the home and took the keys to victim’s Honda. The unwanted brother drove away in the victim’s Honda. The Santa Ana 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 Honda.
Only seven minutes later the Orange County Sheriff’s Department helicopter “Duke” 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, Duke tracked the Honda to the city of Garden Grove. Duke requested the assistance of the Garden Grove Police Department and patrol officers responded to the area of San Juan Place and Shirley Street. When the officers arrived they located the Honda traveling in the area. As the officers attempted to catch up to the Honda the driver made a U-turn and pulled into the driveway of an apartment complex. The driver exited the Honda but was detained before he could disappear into the complex. The officers had the victim respond to the location and identify his brother. The victim also signed a prosecution form and the suspect was arrested. The Honda was released to the victim.
The officers later interviewed the suspect, who stated he knew he didn’t have permission to take his brother’s vehicle but believed his brother wouldn’t prosecute him for the theft.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Honda Accord in April 2007 at Honda of Hollywood in California.