OKLAHOMA CITY - November 2013 - GPS tracking technology, typically used for vehicle and asset management, is proving valuable in an unexpected application: catching shoplifters. Law enforcement agencies are using GPS-equipped "bait packages" to track and apprehend retail thieves in creative sting operations.
How GPS Bait Packages Work
Police place GPS tracking devices inside packages designed to look like high-value retail items such as electronics, designer handbags, or other commonly stolen merchandise. These bait packages are strategically positioned in stores experiencing high theft rates. When thieves steal the packages, the hidden GPS tracker immediately begins transmitting location data to law enforcement.
Officers can then track the stolen merchandise in real-time, following thieves to their homes, storage locations, or fencing operations. This technique has led to numerous arrests and the recovery of large quantities of stolen goods, often uncovering organized retail crime rings.
Real-Time Tracking Enables Quick Apprehension
The key advantage of GPS bait packages is real-time location tracking. Unlike traditional security measures that only identify thieves after reviewing surveillance footage, GPS tracking allows police to follow suspects immediately and apprehend them with stolen property still in their possession. This real-time capability significantly improves conviction rates.
"GPS tracking has revolutionized how we combat retail theft," explains a law enforcement spokesperson. "We can track stolen merchandise directly to organized crime operations, leading to arrests that wouldn't be possible with traditional methods."
Deterrent Effect on Organized Retail Crime
Beyond individual arrests, GPS bait packages serve as a powerful deterrent. As word spreads that stores are using GPS-equipped merchandise, professional shoplifters become more cautious or move to other areas. This deterrent effect benefits all retailers in the community, not just those directly participating in bait operations.
Broader Applications for Businesses
While law enforcement pioneered GPS bait packages for retail theft, businesses can apply similar GPS tracking strategies to protect other assets:
- Construction Equipment: Track high-value tools and equipment to prevent and recover theft
- Shipping & Receiving: Monitor high-value shipments from warehouse to destination
- Vehicle Protection: Recover stolen vehicles quickly with hidden GPS trackers
- Asset Management: Track valuable company assets across multiple locations
The Technology Behind the Solution
Modern GPS trackers used in bait packages are small, lightweight, and have battery life measured in weeks or months. They provide location updates every few seconds, enabling real-time tracking without delay. Some devices include geofencing capabilities that trigger alerts when packages cross designated boundaries.
The same GPS technology used by law enforcement for bait packages is available to businesses for protecting vehicles, equipment, and valuable assets. Companies can leverage this proven technology to reduce theft losses and improve asset security.
GPS Tracking for Asset Protection
- Real-Time Location: Track assets anywhere, anytime
- Theft Recovery: Locate and recover stolen property quickly
- Geofencing Alerts: Receive notifications when assets move
- Historical Tracking: Review movement history for investigations
- Evidence Collection: Provide law enforcement with tracking data
About US Fleet Tracking
Since 2005, US Fleet Tracking has been a pioneer in web-based GPS tracking solutions, serving thousands of businesses from small operations to large fleets. While the company specializes in vehicle tracking, the same technology protects equipment, tools, and valuable assets from theft. US Fleet Tracking provides the real-time tracking capabilities that law enforcement uses for bait packages.
Contact Information
For more information about GPS asset tracking:
US Fleet Tracking
Phone: (405) 726-9900
Email: sales@usft.com
Website: www.usfleettracking.com