Watch Bait Car
- 2009
- 5 Seasons
-
5.8 (202)
Bait Car was a reality television series that aired on truTV from 2007 to 2012. The show followed police officers in various cities across the United States as they utilized a unique undercover operation to catch car thieves. The premise of the show centered around the use of bait cars, which were vehicles equipped with hidden cameras and GPS tracking devices. These cars were left in strategic locations known for high rates of auto theft, such as parking lots or busy city streets. The cameras recorded everything that happened inside the car, while the GPS tracking system allowed officers to monitor the vehicle's location in real-time.
When a thief attempted to steal the bait car, the doors would automatically lock, trapping the would-be thief inside. The officers would then swoop in and apprehend the suspect before taking them into custody.
Each episode of Bait Car featured multiple sting operations, with each one culminating in the arrest of a car thief. The show also included interviews with police officers, car theft victims, and experts on auto theft prevention. Additionally, some episodes delved into the psychology of car thieves, exploring what motivates them to commit these crimes.
One of the most compelling aspects of Bait Car was the tension and drama that built as the thief attempted to steal the car. Viewers were able to witness the entire process, from the thief casing the vehicle to their eventual apprehension by the police. The footage captured by the cameras inside the car was particularly gripping, as it provided a firsthand look at the thief's actions and reactions as they attempted to steal the car.
Some episodes of Bait Car also featured the use of decoys. These were police officers who pretended to be car thieves in order to lure out more experienced criminals. Decoys would plant themselves in high-traffic areas and wait for thieves to attempt to steal their cars. When a thief took the bait, the decoy would follow them in another vehicle while communicating with a team of officers in pursuit of the suspect.
Overall, Bait Car provided a unique look at the world of auto theft and the innovative tactics used by police officers to catch car thieves in the act. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and the use of technology in law enforcement. However, it also courted controversy, with some viewers questioning the ethics of using bait cars to catch criminals.
Despite its popularity, Bait Car was cancelled after five seasons in 2012. However, the show's legacy lives on, with many police departments across the country continuing to use bait cars as a tool in their fight against auto theft.