LoJack System Helps Los Angeles Police Department Recover Stolen VW Rabbit, Suspect Arrested
- December 31, 2018
- Law Enforcement
The owners of a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit contacted the LAPD Van Nuys Division Department to report that their 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit had been stolen. Officers verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers which automatically activated the LoJack® System concealed in the Volkswagen Rabbit.
A short while later officers from LAPD West Valley Division picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Volkswagen 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 officers tracked the vehicle to the 15858 block of Hart St and located the vehicle parked and unoccupied. The officers set up surveillance and within a short time observed a male adult approach and enter the driver’s seat. At that time they deployed on the vehicle taking the suspect into custody without further incident.
During a search of the stolen Volkswagen the officers removed the ignition key chain and noted a 2017 Honda key fob attached to the key chain. They noticed parked directly in front of the Volkswagen a 2017 Honda Civic with the driver’s door open. A search of the Volkswagen resulted in the recovery of a can of pepper spray, a yellow window punch, (commonly used to break car windows). Custodial search of the suspect’s fanny pack resulted in the recovery of a fob to a Lexus. The check on the 2017 Honda Civic revealed it too was stolen. The officers had assisting units transport the suspect to the West Valley Division for booking of grand theft auto.
Further investigation resulted in learning that the suspect was on Felony Probation with search and seizure conditions. Follow up at the LADP West Valley Division officers’ added additional charges of a convicted Felon in possession of Pepper spray and burglary tools.
The recovered Volkswagen Rabbit was released at the scene to the victim and the 2017 Honda Civic was stored for further processing. This case was referred to the Auto Detectives for filing of charges.
The LoJack System was installed in the VW Rabbit at VW of Van Nuys in June 2009. .