Stolen motorcycle recovered in Bogotá: GPS and neighbours key to capturing thief
A 32-year-old man was arrested in the act in the 7 de Agosto neighbourhood after stealing a motorcycle using the 'halado' method. The vehicle's GPS and citizen collaboration enabled his detention.
GPS and community enable recovery of stolen motorcycle and capture of suspect in Barrios Unidos
A 32-year-old man was arrested in the act in the 7 de Agosto neighbourhood, in the Barrios Unidos locality, after stealing a motorcycle using the method known as 'halado', according to pulzo.com reporting based on information from Bogotá's Town Hall. Recovery of the vehicle was made possible by GPS tracking and coordinated intervention between the Metropolitan Police and residents of the sector.
The 'halado' theft occurs when a criminal takes advantage of the owner's inattention to steal a parked vehicle, without resorting to direct violence. In this case, the motorcycle owner reported the theft and immediately activated the tracking system with which the vehicle was equipped.
An employee of the GPS service provider company determined the exact location of the vehicle and notified a patrol unit attached to the San Diego police station, in the Santa Fe locality. Upon arriving at the indicated location, the presence of the tracking employee alerted the alleged perpetrator, who attempted to flee.
The timely reaction of the officers, supported by residents of the sector, made it possible to intercept the suspect a short distance from the scene. The arrest was made under the auspices of the district programme 'Bogotá, my City, my Home', which promotes coordination between citizens and local authorities.
During the procedure, the authorities seized a metal tool which, according to the officers present, would prove decisive in establishing the details of the theft. The detainee and the recovered motorcycle were placed at the disposal of the General Prosecutor's Office, responsible for proceeding with the judicial process.
The Metropolitan Police of Bogotá also registered an improvement in security indicators for the Santa Fe locality: the recovery of motorcycles increased by 11 per cent and motor vehicle theft was reduced by 8 per cent compared with the previous period. The District Secretariat for Security, Coexistence and Justice reiterated the call to the community to report any irregularity to the emergency line 123.
Source: Google News CO — Bogotá