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WEST JORDAN — The West Jordan Police Department recently recovered over $20,000 worth of stolen equipment, but it likely wouldn't have happened without a key piece of technology new to the department.
LoJack works much like GPS in cellphones. A vehicle or piece of equipment has the LoJack device hidden inside. If it's reported stolen, the device activates and sends out a signal to law enforcement vehicles also outfitted with the technology.
West Jordan police just began using the tool recently, and it's already being credited for a big arrest.
West Jordan Police officer Doug Saunders doesn't often stumble upon stolen property because he's assigned to traffic enforcement and accident investigations. On May 16, however, his patrol brought him and his LoJack receivers within range of two stolen items.
"I was actually heading to another detail and the (LoJack) unit started going off," Saunders said. "It was the first time I had actually heard it so it was a bit of a surprise initially until I realized what was actually talking to me," Saunders said.
It guided him directly to a tractor and trailer stolen from a Layton Home Depot last month.
The suspect had modified the trailer and the tractor that sat out of sight in the backyard, but the LoJack transmitter remained.
"No, (the suspect) had no idea that system was in place, and it was quite a shock to him when I asked him," Saunders said.
Saunders demonstrated the LoJack with a technologically enhanced treasure hunt show just how effective the system is.
Another officer carrying the LoJack system in his personal vehicle drove away to an unknown location.
Within seconds, Saunders' patrol vehicle picked up the signal and began transmitting the location of the other car. Within five minutes the car was found.
"It's a phenomenal opportunity to be able to help the public and the consumer retrieve stolen vehicles," said West Jordan police Sgt. Dan Roberts.
The system costs about $700 for a single system, but many customers believe it's worth every penny.
"Yeah, with a $65,000 truck I do," said Gerald Sanchez, who purchased the system in 2012. "I feel pretty secure that if my truck ever got stolen it would be recovered."
LoJack offers the receivers free for law enforcement vehicles since that's a key part of the system. The company's website reports a transmission range of 3-5 miles.
