LoJack® System Helps New Mexico Auto Theft Task Force Recover a Stolen Audi A4 One in Custody
- January 21, 2019
- Law Enforcement
The owner of a 2007 Audi A4 contacted the Albuquerque Police Department to report their vehicle was stolen. The owner advised the Audi was stolen with the keys while it was warming up. The Albuquerque 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 Audi A4.
Shortly after the activation, members with the New Mexico Auto Theft Task Force (Albuquerque PD and New Mexico State Police Auto Theft units) picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen Audi with the LoJack Police Tracking Computers (PTC) that are installed in their undercover vehicles and aircraft. Following the directional and audible cues from the PTC, the ATTF tracked the LoJack signal to the area of 12th and Menaul.
The ATTF located the Audi parked and unoccupied in an apartment complex parking lot. Surveillance was established and the ATTF observed a male subject enter the Audi and drive away. Covert surveillance was maintained until the offender came to a stop. The offender was taken into custody and the Audi was recovered.
During the interview with the offender he stated he saw the Audi with the engine running and decided to take it. The offender further stated that he also took a Mazda SUV, which was also an engine warm-up vehicle, earlier in the morning and parked it. The ATTF confirmed this theft, located the Mazda where the offender said he parked it and made the recovery. The offender was charged with both vehicle thefts and subsequently booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center. The Audi and Mazda will be released back to their owners.
The LoJack® System was installed in the Audi A4 in March 2009 at Mercedes Benz of Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia.