EAGAN, Minn — The Eagan Police Department says their use of "bait cars" is paying off after a man was caught stealing from one.
Police said the "decoy vehicle," outfitted with cameras and other technology, was placed in the underground parking garage of an apartment building after management reported a string of thefts.
A 42-year-old man was arrested after he broke into one of the decoy vehicles, officials said.
The suspect took a decoy wallet with credit cards and unknowingly set off a silent alarm.
Officers responded but were misled by the suspect, who said a "Hispanic female" broke into the car and left, police said.
Due to a glitch, officers were not able to view the video of the initial theft. They fixed the camera and left the scene.
Shortly after, the alarm was activated again. Officers swarmed the building and found the same suspect carrying items that were in the vehicle.
The man claimed he found the items near a dumpster, but after officers reviewed video, they identified him as the suspect.
The man was arrested and booked into Dakota County Jail.
Police recommend the following measures to avoid having your car broken into:
- Never leave valuable items in your vehicle (Even in underground parking
garages)
- Always lock your car doors
- Do not keep any spare keys in or near your vehicle
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