"Operation Secret Santa" uses bait car to nab criminal

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee police shared on Friday, December 21st how "Operation Secret Santa" stopped a rash of car break-ins, especially in the downtown area.

"When crimes occur downtown, it does a greater degree of harm to our entire community. Downtown, the hotels, the theaters, we want people to come and enjoy downtown," said Capt. Steve Basting.

So Milwaukee police set up what it calls a bait car on the streets of downtown. That bait car was used to get one thief, 30-year-old Jonathan Ferror, off the streets.

Officers showed off surveillance video which shows the suspect smashing the window of the bait car. He snatches a GPS unit inside and then takes off.

Milwaukee police want people to be aware of the items they're leaving in their cars; items that are in plain view of criminals. 

"I'm hoping this time because we always say it. You hear it from me, that's one thing but we've got great video this time that we've provided you that everyone can see and hopefully they'll see it and say 'I do that, all I have to do is take this off and I won't be a victim," said Capt. Basting.

In addition to arresting Ferror, police say the bait car got them a handful of leads on other thieves. Officials declined to say how often it uses bait care or if there were any others on the street right now.