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SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Police detectives are currently conducting sting operations to stop a recent spike in bicycle thefts, and they're luring in the bad guys with their own bikes as "bait."
"It sends a message to these people that we're out there," said Salt Lake City Police Department Detective Dennis McGowan. "We're watching you. We're going to vary the times, days and locations."
In the latest sting, police arrested three men who targeted their "bait bike" in the area of 300 South and Rio Grande. Police said that is an area that has seen an increase in thefts. Police also said the men all had warrants for their arrest.
"It's not just that they're there conducting something that they shouldn't be doing," McGowan said. "These types of people — they often time have warrants for their arrest. And that's why they're trying to avoid police in the first place."
Police cautioned people to protect themselves and their property, and to lock up your bikes. If you have any property that is easily detachable in your yard, secure those items as well.
