🚀 go-pugleaf

Robert E. Klimkiewicz, Jr. wrote:
> 
> pat <prb@clark.net> wrote in article <56g5l9$jnu@clarknet.clark.net>...
> > in DC they were tracking a lo-jack equipped stolen car,  and
> > the Precinct commander called them back in because they
> > were headed into over-time.
> 
> Where did you get that info?

I get the feeling it's pretty much like this.  Like many alarm
companies, the Lo-Jack company would have you believe that your car is
stolen, a switch is activated, and in ten minutes a SWAT unit surrounds
your car with the perplexed car thieves inside.  Hardly.  There is
likely more a comfortable apathy that will even increase when these
things get as common as house and commercial alarms and the detectors
police use are going off every minute.  

I've listened to at least two Lo-Jack tracings on my police scanner
which were professionally handled and were ultimately successful.  But
in the course of the monitoring I got the feeling that it was all pretty
informal and maybe-we'll-track-it-and-maybe-we-won't".  I also get the
feeling that when it comes to stolen cars in general, many obviously
stolen cars drive right by police who, for whatever cause of convenience
at that moment, choose not to pay attention to it.  Maybe there are just
too many of them, maybe they only like catching a certain race or creed
(not likely but selective enforcement of the law is a real issue) behind
the wheel, or another higher-priority call is pending.  Whatever the
case, the crack response Lo-Jack would have you believe occurs probably
doesn't exist.  But, if the company backs up its product with a refund
if the car is not recovered in at least 24 hours, then a crack response
probably isn't needed.  

BTW, I also listen to the actual Lo-Jack frequency at 173.075 mhz and
hear a lot more telementery (sp?) activity than I do police chasing them
around.  One presumes that if the transponder frequency is hopping with
cars all calling for help, yet one doesn't hear police actually trying
to rescue them...maybe Lo-Jack is refunding a lot of money! :)  

In any event, I think Lo-Jack is a great thing.  As long as they don't
wind up falsing as much as burglar alarms, the certainty that a criminal
can be caught with the goods is probably very appealing to the average
road officer.  

I imagine this single product has torpedoed large car-theft rings
overnight.  If you're a professional car thief and you need a central
location to strip, sell, or just hide the damn things, one Lo-Jack
making its way into your nest can be fatal.   

There was a case where some ritzy famous, albiet elderly, fellow was
home-invaded, tied, and pistol-whipped about two or three years ago. 
Name and state forgotten.  The bad guys, after they were done scourging
the house for loot, made the fortunate mistake of taking the guy's BMW
as a last token of their crime.  It was equipped with Lo-Jack and they
had no problem finding these guys several hours later.  This new
technology brings a tear to my eye.

-- Dave