Photo: Michael Powell
CAMPBELL – The Campbell PD, in response to a dramatic increase in calls reporting bicycle thefts, deployed a “bait bike” to entice the thief.
According to the Campbell Police, “The purpose of the Bait Program is to stop thieves in their tracks by using GPS tracking technology and to prevent future thefts from happening again.”
The department caught a very prolific bike thief after trailing him with the GPS tracking system put in place and were able to successfully end his theft spree. Police located 40-year-old transient Michael Powell near 2435 S. Bascom Ave. after monitoring the GPS system.
According to police, Powell was in possession of a slide hammer, battery operated cut-off wheel and a window punch. At the time of his arrest, it was found that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for drug charges and possession of burglary tools.
Powell was arrested and charged with grand theft, possession of a concealed dagger, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of burglary tools.
“We will continue to work with our Campbell residents to place ‘bait packages’ at homes and businesses throughout the City,” Captain Berg said. “We are turning the tables on criminals and sending a clear message to potential thieves: Don’t come to Campbell to steal!”
