LoJack System Helps Anaheim Police Department Recover Stolen Ford F150
- September 26, 2018
- Law Enforcement
The Manager of a commercial account contacted the Rialto Police Department to report their 2017 Ford F150 had not been returned as per the instructions in the rental agreement. The rental agreement was for one day but had the Ford had not been returned after four days. Rialto 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.
Only seven minutes later officers and deputies from several agencies, including Anaheim PD, 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. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, the patrol officers located the Ford as it was exiting a commercial parking lot. The officers pulled behind the Ford and were able to safely conduct a traffic stop. The officers detained a female driver and male passenger. The officers interviewed both the driver and passenger.
The female driver stated she was with her boyfriend (passenger) in San Bernardino earlier today and asked him for a ride home. They met with another female who lent them the Ford. They drove to the city of Anaheim where they were stopped by Anaheim PD. The female said she was driving the Ford because her boyfriend asked her to drive. The female was found to be in possession of Marijuana.
The male passenger said he had another female rent the Ford several days prior so that he could complete a tile job. The passenger said he was unable to rent the Ford because his Driver’s license was suspended. He knew the Ford was to be returned after a one day rental but figured he would only have to pay late fees when he didn’t return it for four days.
Inside the Ford officers found heroin and methamphetamine, which the male passenger claimed were his. He also had several outstanding warrants for receiving stolen property, drug charges and a DUI.
Both driver and passenger were arrested and the Ford was recovered.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Ford F150 in April 2017 by Commercial Sales.