Arcadia police fighting holiday package theft with GPS ‘bait packages’

ARCADIA >> The problem of package theft during the holiday season is a perennial problem for law enforcement, but police in Arcadia are taking a new approach to the issue, using GPS tracking technology to turn the tables on package-pilfering Grinches.
Police have begun setting out “bait packages” containing GPS trackers that lead investigators to their precise locations once stolen.
“Detectives are partnering with citizens and local businesses and placing bait packages equipped with tracking devices, which notify
police personnel when packages have been stolen,” according to Arcadia police Sgt. Brett Bourgeous.
“This technology allows officers to locate suspects with a high degree of accuracy, in order to stop criminals from continuing their crime spree,” he said.
Six package theft suspect have been arrested in recent weeks through the operation, Arcadia police officials said.
The most recent arrests took place Sunday morning, after one such “bait package” was allegedly swiped from a porch in the southeast portion of town, Lt. Colleen Flores said.
Police were notified about 7:30 a.m. that one of the packages had been picked up and was on the move, she said.
“Officers tracked the package and lcoated the two suspects within a few blocks of where the package was stolen,” Flores added.
Arrested were Steve Lopez, 25, and Dandre Lageman, 30, both of El Monte.
Both suspects were booked on suspicion of grand theft, and both were being held in lieu of $20,000 bail pending their initial court appearances, scheduled Tuesday in Pasadena Superior Court, records show.
In at least once case, police recovered not only the bait package, but also other packages stolen from other Arcadia residents, Bourgeous said. “This arrest ensured the items intended to be received by our residents were delivered in time for the holidays.”
Anyone interested in participating in the program can contact Sgt. Bourgeous at 626-574-5163.