A 47-year-old Langley man was jailed after being caught stealing a bait car in Maple Ridge last week.

Ridge Meadows RCMP were alerted to the theft just before 3 a.m. on Friday Dec. 21, and police spotted the car being driven a short time later, said RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh.

The suspect attempted to flee after the car was disabled, but he was captured a short distance away with the aid of the dog squad.

“This fully illustrates one of the reasons incidents of vehicle theft has declined,” Walsh said.

“Since the bait car program began, we have seen a steady decrease of cars being stolen. Whenever a thief is caught, they are being videotaped, and almost everyone has commented on their concern that this may be a bait car,” he added.

The program, which is run by the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) continues to assist police agencies in B.C.

“It is very true, bait cars are everywhere. Steal one, go to jail,” Walsh said.

The suspect was held in police custody until later that same day, facing charges of vehicle theft, driving while prohibited, and a breach of his current bail order.