CSP gets more 'bait cars' | Transportation

 Nationwide Insurance donated additional ‘bait cars’ to the Colorado State Patrol on Tuesday to help cut down auto thefts in the state.

While officials won't say how many cars were donated, or what they look like, CSP says the vehicles range from popular midsize sedans to pick-up trucks.

"The vehicles we've donated actually have been associated with 325 felons," said Ron Richards, Nationwide Insurance Special Projects consultant. 

CSP says they've seen a 40 percent reduction in auto thefts in Colorado since they started using bait cars in 2007.

"I think most typically they're (thieves) are most interested in parts," said Lt. Col. Scott Hernandez, Colorado State Patrol.  "When we pull them over, we do have the capability of shutting down the vehicle at the same time."

CSP says 12,000 vehicles were stolen in Colorado in 2009.

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