NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Police Warn Potential Crooks About Bait Car

Police Warn Potential Crooks About Bait Car

By Eric White 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The crooks are warned, and Metro police auto theft officers have the sign to prove it. 

The sign read, "Warning: Police Bait Car In Area." On Thursday, one such sign was placed along Gay Street in Downtown Nashville. 

A bait car looks like a standard car, truck or sport utility vehicle, but the bait car is actually a police decoy. 

Metro said they have many unmarked bait cars. All of them are donated by insurance companies. 

If a crook attempts to steal a bait car, police move in and make the arrest. 

“It could be a deterrent where some thieves might go somewhere else,” said Metro Police Sergeant Billy Smith. 

Smith said the sign also alerts drivers to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight. 

Downtown Nashville visitor Jenna Fortney agreed. 

“I'm glad. It makes me feel safer,” said Fortney. 

Smith said auto theft officers will be out in force through the holidays because car break-ins typically jump during that period. 

If you see someone breaking into a car, try to get a description of the person and call police. 

email: ewhite@newschannel5.com