By NICOLE LARSON
A 16-year-old Lindon juvenile was caught yesterday red-handed, on video, breaking into a car stealing a stereo system and purse.
What he didn't know, and what ultimately spoiled his clean get away, was that the car, and merchandise inside the car, was planted by the Utah County Sheriff's Department. Nor did he notice the hidden camera in the back of the car and transmitters attached to every item in the car.
The break in happened early Wednesday morning at the commuter parking lot west of the I-15 American Fork exit. The suspect got away with a woman's purse, three stereo speakers, a stereo amplifier and some change. Using the video, officials were able to identify the suspect and Utah County, Lindon and Pleasant Grove officials apprehended the suspect and the merchandise Wednesday afternoon at his Lindon home.
County officials approached the house with a search warrant but knew without a doubt the stolen items were located in the residence by strong signals being picked up by the transmitter. Detective Patterson said the accuracy of the transmitting device is extreme and precise.
'It's so accurate all I had to do was drive down I-15 near American Fork and the transmitter would pick up a reading,' he said.
The juvenile was arrested and charged with two class A misdeamors, one for breaking into the car and the other for stealing the merchandise.
The Utah County Special Crime Task Force has been using this transmitting system for 15 years. Detective Patterson said since implementing the program they've caught approximately 52 to 86 thieves every year. However, police don't limit the transmitters to only auto theft. They've also used it locate a shoe thief.
The video cameras, about the size of screw head, have only aided the transmitters for a year. Utah County currently has four undercover vehicles used solely for catching thief's involved in this type of activity.
Utah County isn't the only county using this method of apprehension. County officials work with other counties to track the signals because often the merchandise is taken outside of county borders. Detective Patterson said he's tracked stolen items as far away as New Jersey.
Deputy Sheriff JoAnn Murphy said this kind of crime can easily be prevented and even caught without transmitting devices. She said the key is greater community involvement.
According to Murphy, crime in Utah County is increasing and only three percent of the population accounts for criminals involved in criminal activity. Therefore, she said, criminals are working overtime and becoming more confident because Utah County is an easy target.
Calling Utah County a naive society, she said, 'the only way Utah County can stop crime is by getting the community more involved.' She said most people don't realize all the crime that goes on within Utah County's borders.