Westfield Insurance Donates Bait Cars to Patrol

OSHP News Release

For Immediate Release:  August 10, 2017

Contact: Lieutenant Robert Sellers (614) 752-2792

Westfield Insurance Donates Bait Cars to Patrol

Columbus - The Ohio State Highway Patrol received a donation of two bait vehicles from Westfield Insurance. These vehicles will be used in various communities experiencing vehicle theft to catch car thieves – in the act. 

“We know, if individuals are involved in car thefts, they are also involved in other crimes as well,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol Superintendent. “By stopping car thieves we can deter criminal activity before it reaches our communities.”  

Troopers collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to place the bait vehicles in high theft areas. The vehicles are monitored until a car thief takes the bait. 

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over 22,000 vehicles were stolen last year in Ohio. In 2016, the Patrol recovered over 1,000 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of $8.5 million. The Patrol’s Vehicle Theft and Fraud unit recovered 240 of those vehicles. 

“At Westfield, we know prevention matters,” said Mike Prandi, Westfield Insurance Operations Leader and board chair of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “Together with the NICB, we are proud to equip law enforcement with resources to combat insurance fraud and crime. If donating bait cars helps prevent future crime and keep communities safer, we’re all in.” 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Westfield Insurance are proud to partner in a way that addresses the betterment of our communities. These vehicles will now be used as a tool that makes a tangible impact on crime and improve the quality of life in Ohio. 

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