Bait cars are at a Park and Ride near you

The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Transit have teamed up to crack down on auto crime and theft at city transit stations.

Bait cars are being parked at various city park and ride lots.

The message is simple.

"Steal a bait car and go to jail.  We have had a lot of success with this program as part of the overall auto theft strategy," says Staff Sgt. Colin Adair.  

Bait cars have been in Calgary since November 2008.  That year over 6,000 vehicles were stolen.  The number dropped to 4,300 in 2009.

He says this campaign also serves as a reminder to vehicle owners to take precautions against auto theft or other auto crimes.  Adair say 40 per cent of stolen vehicles were taken with keys.

The vehicles will be positioned and moved between the 36 lots.