Figures released by ICBC show there were 86 per cent fewer thefts of vehicles in Abbotsford in 2012 compared to 2003, when the provincial bait car program was introduced.
The figures also indicate there were 85 per cent fewer break-ins of cars in that same period.
In 2012, there were 42 per cent fewer vehicle thefts and 24 per cent fewer break-ins compared to 2011.
ICBC released the figures last week as part of Auto Crime Enforcement Month.
Provincially, auto theft dropped 73 per cent from 2003 to 2021.
Bait cars are used by police to capture car thieves. After a bait car is stolen, the location, speed and direction is monitored by dispatchers through GPS tracking.
Everything that takes place inside the bait car is caught on audio and video.
The car’s engine can be disabled at the click of a mouse, allowing police to move in and arrest the suspect.