In Austin, thieves drive off with someone else's vehicle and average of six times a day. The Austin Police Department even has thieves on camera taking part in a celebratory fist bump. The thieves weren't smiling long because they broke into a police bait car and were stopped immediately. Unlike bait cars, you may never see your car, again. It can also end up in a scrap yard.
"We find just enough of it to identify it as your stolen vehicle,” APD Detective Bruce Spence said.
For several years OnStar customers have been able to get their vehicles back in one piece. OnStar uses GPS technology to alert police to the whereabouts of a stolen vehicle.
"It has been a big benefit to us,” Spence said.
OnStar can now help officers like Detective Spence not only find a stolen vehicle, but also bring it to a stop. The 2009 and 2010 GM models are now equipped with the new technology. It's called “stolen vehicle slowdown.” OnStar operators work with police during a pursuit and remotely reduce engine power to slow a fleeing vehicle to a stop.
Detective Spence says the biggest benefit is avoiding a high speed pursuit.
"[Thieves are] trying to do everything they can to avoid being caught. They're throwing caution out the window, literally, and will do everything they can to do from being caught. The dangers that creates are tremendous," he said.
Not all drivers are willing to pay for the service.
"I think it's actually pretty cool .I wouldn't pay extra for it, but if my car has it I'd feel pretty comfortable,” said Andre Creixell, Austin driver.
"If I could afford it, I think it would be a great addition to my car,” Jonathan Ko said.
This technology can only be used to stop a stolen car. Police cannot use OnStar to stop a fleeing vehicle if the owner is behind the wheel. If you have a tracking device in your car, be sure and tell officers. Any brand can help.
