The New Intimacy

How do you feel about bait cars?

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Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
TruTV has a show called Bait Cars, and on this show, they've just edited together footage from actual bait cars, and filmed the rest Cops style.

For those of you unfamiliar with what a bait car actually is, basically it's a car used to 'lure' people into stealing it, then the police shut it down and arrest the driver.

Some people are all for bait cars, and some people think they're as bad as red light cameras. A lot of places have now had to start putting up signs that let potential offenders know that there are bait cars being used in the area.

I'm personally all for bait cars. If you're stupid enough to steal a car that isn't yours (especially in an area known to have bait cars in use) then you absolutely deserve to get arrested for it and deal with the punishment. I don't think bait cars are entrapment, I think they're a good way to teach people not to take things that aren't theirs.

What do you think?
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Bait cars are a great idea, stealing is wrong, don't take things that aren't yours
Jul!a , Blinker , Chilipepper , *Ashley* , Tori Rebel , Lady Venus , fatesrelease , Envy , ToyTimeTim , Gunsmoke , Sidewinder , usmcwife99 , Alan & Michele , Airen Wolf , beautifulpierced , Alicia , Rockin' , Jenna.J.Ross , Adriana Ravenlust , bzzingbee , Bamagirl , Miss B Haven , The Giveaway Diva , Midway through , dv8 , Mistress M. , Emma (Girl With Fire) , DeliciousSurprise , sixfootsex , xi , Elias McLovin , Eva Schwaltz , Peggi , wetone123 , Diabolical Kitty , AndroAngel , Anjulie , Bignuf , Research , zeb , dhig , Beck , GenderSexplorations , Ash1141 , GONE! , Allstars316 , Checkmate , Sundae Sparkles , melissa1973 , BG529 , potstickers
51  (74%)
Bait cars are entrapment, you're egging people on to take these things
El-Jaro , Annemarie , P'Gell , Sir , Ajax , darthkitt3n , Rarity , deltalima
8  (12%)
I'm completely neutral to the idea of bait cars altogether
Pandahb , MaryExy , LoganAlexander
3  (4%)
Who cares? The show is fun to watch!
Other
~LaUr3n~ , sophie2229 , SweetestAngelGoneBad , shentel , SilverIsis , kellyg , ViVix
7  (10%)
Total votes: 69
Poll is closed
07/13/2010
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Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
I agree that stealing cars is wrong (guh!). But also, some people my just fall prey to the moment, only needing that little extra push. Having a car just sitting there, keys in the ignition, windows down is just too much to call it justifiable in my eyes.
07/13/2010
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I agree that stealing cars is wrong (guh!). But also, some people my just fall prey to the moment, only needing that little extra push. Having a car just sitting there, keys in the ignition, windows down is just too much to call it justifiable in my ... more
That was how people had their cars in my old town in MT - doors unlocked, keys in the ignition - NONE of them were stolen until the Californians moved in with their gang-kids. Car theft became a whole NEW crime in that town. The locals just could not understand how these 'foreigners' (to their state) could not respect their property. Even the kids raised there didn't DARE try to steal anyone's car because everybody knew everybody.

I say it's a great idea - anyone even tempted to steal gets what they deserve. Can they rig it up to shock them to a crisp? 'Smells like bacon - must be another idiot car thief.'
07/13/2010
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
That was how people had their cars in my old town in MT - doors unlocked, keys in the ignition - NONE of them were stolen until the Californians moved in with their gang-kids. Car theft became a whole NEW crime in that town. The locals just could not ... more
mmmmmm...bacon
07/13/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
I don't really think this show is truthful. It's on tru tv right? They have a habit of having "reality" shows that are just as bullshit as the Hills or whatever MTV is pushing on people these days.
07/13/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
I don't really think this show is truthful. It's on tru tv right? They have a habit of having "reality" shows that are just as bullshit as the Hills or whatever MTV is pushing on people these days.
TruTV was actually one of the few networks I believed to still have 'legitimate reality shows'. Honestly, I see Bait Car as Cops without the car chases, since on Bait Car, they can shut the car off, lol.
07/13/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
TruTV was actually one of the few networks I believed to still have 'legitimate reality shows'. Honestly, I see Bait Car as Cops without the car chases, since on Bait Car, they can shut the car off, lol.
Lol that's the best part. The cops love fucking with those guys!
07/13/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
Lol that's the best part. The cops love fucking with those guys!
They do, the show just makes me crack up cuz it's like, ok, if it's required for there to be signs up in the area saying that there are bait cars in use, why the hell would you steal a car?! lol

That network has some other greats like Speeders. And World's Dumbest, although that one is more focused on the commentary from comedians at stupid things caught on tape, but still awesome nonetheless! lol
07/13/2010
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
They do, the show just makes me crack up cuz it's like, ok, if it's required for there to be signs up in the area saying that there are bait cars in use, why the hell would you steal a car?! lol

That network has some other greats like ... more
If there are signs, then would-be car-thieves are just idgits!
07/13/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
If there are signs, then would-be car-thieves are just idgits!
I don't know if every place that has bait cars is required to post signs, but to my (fairly limited) understanding, a lot of them use them, which is why I don't feel bad for these would be thieves, lol
07/13/2010
Contributor: Envy Envy
They used to do the same with bicycles, dunno if they still do. Sure it could be seen as egging someone on, but in the end it was their decision to do it, so all blame falls on them for their actions.
07/13/2010
Contributor: usmcwife99 usmcwife99
I am all for them. I work hard for what I have, and think thats how it should be.

Personally theft of any type is wrong. I dont care how helpless you are there are other ways then theft. There is no excuse to steal. Ok, I better stop typing on this post before I say something someone gets mad at me for lol
07/14/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Bait cars are in essence, entrapment. Do I have pitty for those people anyways? Hell no...

Would you pick up a $100 bill you saw someone leave and the person is no where in site? I would...technically it belongs to someone else and they are not in current possession of it. This is an extreme example, but these bait cars are a bit extreme if you ask me. It's like dangling a goodie bag of drugs in front of an addict. An addict could be doing everything they can to be sober and not be around a situation where drugs would tempt them. But if someone gives them a deal too good to be true. They would probably crack too.

How often do you ever see a car running and the doors open, lights on, super noticeable like in the show? (I just watched it and previously had no opinion about this til now btw lol) Now I'm no Grand theft auto criminal...but even I would walk by and think ...wow it would be really easy to steal that. For someone, who has a history of car theft and has stopped, this is just taunting them when they might not otherwise have stolen a car. The definition of entrapment is basically causing someone to do something that they normally wouldn't do. There was an episode where the guys CLEARLY had never stolen a car before. That case is entrapment (for the repeat offenders, it isn't and I hope it was their third so 3 strikes they are out).

Idk...I just think it is a bit ridiculous. Borderline unconstitutional in some cases. I really hope they are required to post signs, just like for those red stop lights etc.

Alright, that's like my 20 cents.

BUT....I do want to say that although I didn't find the show all that entertaining, it is a deterrent. Just like one of my favorite shows "To catch a predator".

I kinda want to bring this up in my Law Enforcement classes and see what they say...
07/14/2010
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
I think it's a great idea. We're not talking about dollar bills laying on a sidewalk, we're talking about cars. And to the best of my knowledge, everyone knows that cars aren't free unless you're given a title.
I don't care what the situation is or how tempting it may be. These people KNOW that they're stealing and they get what they get for their own bad choices. It's not entrapment, it's cleaning another criminal out of society.

Not meaning to offend anyone or start an argument, but if you're against the idea consider this for a second. Say you're rushing a badly injured family member to the hospital, and when you get there you jump out of the car (leaving your keys behind) and run to help them into the emergency room as quickly as possible. When you come out, your car is gone. Now would you be thinking "Poor criminal, it was probably too much temptation for him"?

That was an extreme example, true, but there are little instances here and there in life where keys do get left for a time. To jail with the people who take advantage of it.
07/14/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
I think it's a great idea. We're not talking about dollar bills laying on a sidewalk, we're talking about cars. And to the best of my knowledge, everyone knows that cars aren't free unless you're given a title.
I don't ... more
I don't have pitty-being in Law Enforcement, I'm pretty sure I'd be shunned lol. Like you, I said my example was extreme. It isn't a bad idea either-just a controversial one. But then again...what ISN'T controversial these days? Many unfair things are unconstitutional now a days that I honestly think shouldn't be or vice a versa (like the fact that Obama couldn't allow over seas help to come clean the Gulf...it would be unconstitutional because he has to offer the work to US citizens first at the expense of oil spilling further).

I hope it is a deterrent for those who watch it.
07/14/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Quote:
Originally posted by ~LaUr3n~
Bait cars are in essence, entrapment. Do I have pitty for those people anyways? Hell no...

Would you pick up a $100 bill you saw someone leave and the person is no where in site? I would...technically it belongs to someone else and they are ... more
It's not a deterrent, or we would have less crime in general because of the prevalence of the show Cops. We have all these forensic shows that show there can be convictions with little evidence, CSI, true crime bullshit, 48 Hours...COUNTLESS reality crime shows showing how dumb criminals are, how they can be caught, etc., but criminals still do what they do. One of my favorite shows on A&E is The First 48, where the camera follows a real homicide investigation through the first 48 hours of a crime...anyway on one episode in Memphis, the suspected perp looked at one of the detectives and said 'Hey! You on that 48 show, dude! I'm on TV?". That just speaks for itself.

There is no deterrent for a criminal when they want something badly enough.
07/14/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
It's not a deterrent, or we would have less crime in general because of the prevalence of the show Cops. We have all these forensic shows that show there can be convictions with little evidence, CSI, true crime bullshit, 48 Hours...COUNTLESS ... more
My reason for saying that is based on the show I mentioned-"To Catch a Predator". Now they STILL catch people who have watched the show (or even have been caught), but it has been proven through their online chats that it deters offenders from making contact. Scares some of them. This is only for some people. But in my eyes...if it deters a minority, it is still worth it.

And shows like 48 hours...(another one of my faves) People talk about how shows like that either deter or actually can make criminals smarter (or should I say less dumb lol). Shows like that actually make matters worse sometimes. "COUNTLESS reality crime shows showing how dumb criminals are, how they can be caught, etc., but criminals still do what they do." That's the point...the dumb ones do. Not all criminals are dumb and some, if they realize authorities are now smarter than them, are deterred. The biggest criminal type this has affected is the rapist because of the introduction and near perfection of DNA analysis.

Crime is human nature. We will always have it. It isn't accurately measurable because of the victim and witness clause (we have the technology to catch more people now too skewing the numbers). Deterrent do exist for crime, and just like drugs, or even anything else. One of my degrees is Law Enforcement Justice Administration and I was a probation officer for 3 months. My team and I deterred criminals from re-offending or doing drugs. Not all of course. I had DUI offenders get another DUI while on probation (That asshole was deported btw!). So...if I were to say that there is NO deterrent from crime, then hundreds of thousands of officials, including myself are working for nothing. We don't aim to eliminate it because this is an impossibility, we aim to rehabilitate and end the revolving door syndrome.

You are right that if someone wants something bad enough they will get it. But there are things that can make them want their freedom more.
07/14/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
Quote:
Originally posted by ~LaUr3n~
My reason for saying that is based on the show I mentioned-"To Catch a Predator". Now they STILL catch people who have watched the show (or even have been caught), but it has been proven through their online chats that it deters offenders ... more
agh delete
07/14/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
^ ignore this.

Why the fuck can't we delete our own forum posts?
07/14/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
^ ignore this.

Why the fuck can't we delete our own forum posts?
I know right...Idk. Lame. You should be able to edit AND delete your post if it was the last one. Anywho...check your inbox I took our debate there. I put in enough cents here lol.


***Anyone else who has a question or comment about what I said, feel free to inbox me!***

Oh and check out this cool crime map...it's crazy!

link
07/14/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
If there are signs, then would-be car-thieves are just idgits!
There could be a neon flashing sign hung ON the car announcing it as a 'bait car' and some stupid would be car thief would steal the car and look for worms in the backseat. These people deserve to get busted and then shown on tv so all the people who know them can have a little laugh...
07/14/2010
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
Entrapment is when police officers actively encourage criminals to do something they would not otherwise do. Providing the opportunity for someone to steal a car in an occasion where the police are there to do something about it is entirely different from a police officer badgering someone to buy drugs (or something similar) and then arresting them. The police are not encouraging them to steal the car, the idea is the offender's. It's ridiculous to say that you're encouraging crime by not taking steps to make it more difficult for a criminal to commit a crime. What next? Claiming that people should wear body armor since otherwise you're just encouraging murder/attempted murder because it's too easy?

If they can make some money to cover expenses by selling the tapes to a TV station so much the better.
07/14/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I think stealing is a terrible thing to do, but it's a property crime (not counting hijacking cars with people in them, which is actually a form of assault.)

But, any type of entrapment from the Police pisses me off. They can do their job without setting things like this up, IMO.

That being said, I've never owned a car nice enough for anyone to want to steal, but it's I've had my car broken into, and I was pissed off, but it's just stuff. Crimes against people bother me a LOT more.
07/15/2010
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
I just wanted to ask about the original post, where the phrase "as bad as red light cameras" was used. I moved to a city a couple years ago where they have red light cameras. Before that, I'd never seen them. Do people not like them? I feel like they are incredibly effective. To me, they really make me think before gunning it at an intersection if there's any doubt I'll make it across. They plaster the minimum ticket $ amount on there (gosh, it's over $300 I think), and I just think, "It's not worth it." I have seen so many stupid red light runners who could have gotten creamed by other vehicles, so I hope the cameras help with that.

Sorry, that was off topic ^_^ I think bait cars are fine. Don't steal stuff. Even if someone takes a car, it almost always affects the lives of people, even if it's not a crime against a person.
07/15/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
I just wanted to ask about the original post, where the phrase "as bad as red light cameras" was used. I moved to a city a couple years ago where they have red light cameras. Before that, I'd never seen them. Do people not like them? I ... more
A lot of people feel that red light cameras are just another way to gain revenue and don't serve any purpose but that. I personally feel that in some areas, they're a great idea. High traffic areas where a lot of people would consistently run red lights, having these cameras there has severely decreased that happening and in turn, saved a lot of accidents from happening. I agree with you that they're a good idea, and I've enjoyed seeing different places versions of them. Like where I live near Chicago, the cameras are set back from the intersection a bit and snap a picture of your plate if you trip the sensor. (There are people who do monitor these things so if you trip the sensor but don't actually blow the light you won't get the ticket) but when I was driving around with my grandfather in New Hampshire, I saw a bunch where the camera was in the red light itself.
07/15/2010
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
I just wanted to ask about the original post, where the phrase "as bad as red light cameras" was used. I moved to a city a couple years ago where they have red light cameras. Before that, I'd never seen them. Do people not like them? I ... more
Red light cameras work very well in our area. Five years ago we had one particular intersection that had serious accidents at least twice a week. They installed the cams and now it's a rarity.

I think the RL cams work the same as bait cars and our state's law that says you can legally shoot burglars: Some people just need the possibility of serious consequences to keep them on the straight and narrow.
07/15/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
There was a Red Light Camera, which was ticketing not just for running red lights, but for turning infractions and other minor stuff right at the entrance to the largest mall in the Chicago Area. Woodfield. They Po Pos and the town made a million dollars in about a month, from minor infractions. People were starting to tell the mall they would shop elsewhere, if the camera wasn't removed. The mall went to the city (remember the mall brings in TONS of money for the city of Schaumburg) and said they would secede from the town if the camera wasn't removed.

A compromise was made and the damn thing was turned off, but it's still there.

IMO, if they want to ticket you HAVE A COP PRESENT. There is NO way to defend yourself and in our form of government, The People have a RIGHT to see, face and question their accuser. You can't "see, face and question" a camera and computer, which just coldly sends you a letter, so IMO, it is probably Unconstitutional.

Getting a letter in the mail with your license plate on it, and a huge fine smells like Big Brother to me. The mall and the People got the camera from being used, and that IS the way things should go. There were no accidents in that area, the town and the cops and the company that made the Camera system KNEW they could make millions of dollars, because the so many people shop at this mall. They were defeated by The People, and it was a Happy Day. The People won for once, so did the Constitution.

I am, therefore I rant.
07/15/2010
Contributor: Gary Gary
I don't know whether I agree or disagree with this... but it is hilarious! I want to see this show!
07/15/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
There was a Red Light Camera, which was ticketing not just for running red lights, but for turning infractions and other minor stuff right at the entrance to the largest mall in the Chicago Area. Woodfield. They Po Pos and the town made a million ... more
That one I agreed with having removed, since there were definitely people being ticketed for just not stopping fast enough, when they weren't actually running a light.
07/15/2010
Contributor: Bamagirl Bamagirl
Stealing is wrong Period! You know it.. I know it .. They know it .. So don't do it
07/18/2010