LoJack Corporation Helps California Police Recover 13 Cars and Break Up Large Auto Theft Ring
- February 8, 2013
On January 18, 2013, the owners of California Car Company contacted the Brea Police Department to report a 2004 BMW Z-3 had been stolen along with 12 other exotic cars from the lot of their dealership. Thieves broke into the car lot office, located the keys and were able to, for the time being, get away with it.
Brea Police verified the theft and entered the vehicle information along with the 12 other vehicles into the state and federal crime computers, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the BMW.
Out of the 13 vehicles that were stolen, the BMW-Z-3 was the only vehicle equipped with a LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System. A short time later, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Air-7 flight deputies picked up the silent LoJack signal, tracked and located the vehicle parked, and unoccupied, at a motel. Detectives and ground units were notified.
Prior to any of the assisting ground units arrival, a male and female were seen entering the vehicle and drove off. Apparently, when the male driver saw the helicopter, he fled at a high speed trying to out run the airship. Air-7 followed the vehicle, giving the direction of travel to ground units. The BMW blew out a tire, exited the freeway and entered a mall parking lot in the city of Pico Rivera. One suspect was arrested on site.
So far in the case, there have been four suspects arrested and charged. Furthermore, all 13 cars have been recovered. They are identified as a 2007 Maserati, 2009 Mustang, 2008 Mustang, 2008 Mercedes E350, 2005 Audi A-4, 2004 BMW M-3 (LoJack equipped), 2006 Bentley, 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, 2002 BMW 745, 2002 Mercedes 600, 2005 Mercedes SLK350, 2011 Hyundai Genesis and a 2008 BMW 28I.
The LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System was installed in the 2004 BMW Z-3 on 10-3-2005 at BMW Gallery in Norwood, MA. The estimated value of recovered cars is $250,000.
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NOTE: Portions of the story were obtained from Brea Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department