ARCADIA >> Police used a GPS-tracked “bait package” to nab a package theft suspect in Arcadia early Sunday, as part of an ongoing initiative launched by police in the weeks leading up to the holiday season, officials said.
Johnny Tang, 24, of El Monte was arrested on suspicion of grand theft following the 8:40 a.m. sting, according to Arcadia police Lt. Colleen Flores.
Police received notification that one of their GPS-equipped decoy packages had been snatched in the southwest portion of the city, Flores said.
Officers quickly tracked the package to a neighborhood several miles away where they recovered the parcel and arrested Tang, the lieutenant said.
Tang, who also being sought due to a pre-existing warrant, was being held in lieu of $70,000 bail pending a scheduled arraignment Tuesday in Pasadena Superior Court.
Police have arrested numerous alleged package thieves through the use of the GPS bait packages in recent months.
Under the program, police partner with residents and business owners to place the packages, laden with GPS tracking equipment, throughout the city as bait for opportunistic criminals.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to Arcadia police at 626-574-5151. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.