The term “bait car” is used by police to describe a vehicle that is equipped with a tracking device and left unattended in a high crime area. The bait car is monitored by police who are waiting to apprehend the person or persons who attempt to steal it. Bait cars have been used by police departments across the country to reduce auto theft and increase arrests.
However some civil rights advocates have raised concerns that bait cars may be entrapment. Entrapment is the act of inducing someone to commit a crime they would not have committed otherwise. In order for entrapment to occur there must be evidence that the police created or took advantage of an opportunity to induce the crime.
There are a few bait car cases that have gone to court but the outcomes have been mixed. In one case a man was arrested for stealing a bait car and charged with grand theft auto. He argued that he was entrapped by the police but the court found that he had the intent to steal the car before the police left it unattended. In another case a man was arrested for trying to break into a bait car. He argued that he would not have attempted to break into the car if it hadn’t been left unattended by the police. The court found that the police did not entrap the man and that he was guilty of attempted burglary.
The issue of bait cars and entrapment is likely to continue to be debated as police departments across the country continue to use them to reduce auto theft.
1.
What is a bait car?
A bait car is a vehicle that police officers use to lure in and apprehend criminals.
The car is usually equipped with GPS tracking devices and cameras and is sometimes left unlocked with the keys inside.
2.
How does bait car entrapment work?
Bait car entrapment usually works by officers leaving a car in an area known for high crime rates.
The car is then monitored remotely and when someone tries to steal it the police are alerted and can track the car’s location.
3.
Is bait car entrapment legal?
Bait car entrapment is a legal law enforcement technique in most jurisdictions.
4.
What are the benefits of bait car entrapment?
Bait car entrapment is an effective way to catch criminals in the act and deter others from committing crimes.
5.
What are the risks of bait car entrapment?
There is a risk that innocent people may be caught in the act of stealing a bait car but this is rare.
6.
How can I avoid being caught in a bait car?
The best way to avoid being caught in a bait car is to not steal one.
7.
What should I do if I am caught in a bait car?
If you are caught in a bait car the best thing to do is to cooperated with the police and follow their instructions.
8.
What are the consequences of stealing a bait car?
The consequences of stealing a bait car vary depending on the jurisdiction but can include fines jail time and a criminal record.
9.
Is there a defense to bait car entrapment?
Yes in some cases a defense to bait car entrapment may be possible.
For example if the police did not have probable cause to believe that a crime was being committed or if the bait car was not clearly marked as such.
10.
What are some famous bait car cases?
Some famous bait car cases include the 2013 case of ‘Bait Car Bandit’ Anthony Portland who stole over 100 cars in the Los Angeles area and the 2014 case of ‘Bait Car Bait and Switch’ in which a group of people stole a bait car and then used it to commit a string of robberies.
11.
Are there any alternatives to bait car entrapment?
Yes there are alternatives to bait car entrapment such as sting operations and undercover operations.
12.
What are the pros and cons of bait car entrapment?
The pros of bait car entrapment include that it is effective and deterring while the cons include the potential for innocent people to be caught in the act.
13.
What are the ethical considerations of bait car entrapment?
Some ethical considerations of bait car entrapment include the potential for entrapment of innocent people and the potential for the cars to be used in crimes.
14.
What are the legal considerations of bait car entrapment?
Some legal considerations of bait car entrapment include the need for probable cause and the need for the cars to be clearly marked as bait cars.
15.
Are there any other considerations I should be aware of?
Other considerations to be aware of include the potential for media attention and the potential for the cars to be used in high-speed chases.
