Bait Vehicle Video Leads to Louisiana Burglary Arrest

The Louisiana Department of Insurance reports that a Baton Rouge man has been arrested for allegedly burglarizing a bait vehicle provided through a Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA)/National Insurance Crime Bureau program.The bait vehicle program is designed to reduce insurance fraud and related crime, including vehicle theft.

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, 23-year-old Emanuel Weatherspoon tried to break into a bait vehicle earlier this month. Video taken by the bait car was released to the media, and a viewer called Crimestoppers with information that led to Weatherspoon’s arrest on July 20. He was charged with two counts of simple burglary.

“The bait vehicle program has consistently proven to be an effective tool in apprehending would-be car burglars,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. “Insurance fraud, including vehicle theft, is a costly loss that can be passed along to policyholders through higher premiums – so this program is a powerful tool in enhancing public safety, as well as protecting the best interests of consumers.”

The bait vehicle program was initiated by LATIFPA and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). LATIFPA awarded its first bait vehicle to the Baton Rouge Police Department in 2006 through the Vehicle Investigation Prevention Enforcement Response (VIPER) Program. During Fiscal Year 2010-2011, bait vehicles were deployed more than 18,000 hours, resulting in nearly 40 adult arrests.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance