Although well over a hundred bicycles had been stolen from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus during the 2007-2008 academic year, police were only able to apprehend and arrest a single suspect. Frustrated by the mounting bike thefts, the UW Madison Police Department turned to FSN.
By equipping bait bicycles with FSN covert trackers, police have been able to make over 16 arrests since August 1, 2008. Police officers place FSN-equipped bikes in areas where high incidences of bicycle thefts are reported. When an FSN-equipped bike is taken from its location—designated using a Geofence in FSNtracks—FSN notifies police that the bike has been moved. Officers can track the movement of the bicycle using FSNtracks, and can use the covert device’s GPS location to make contact and arrest the suspect.
“FSNtracks is a versatile technology that has many diverse applications,” says Bill Games, President of Freight Security Net. “In this case, simply using the Geofence capability let police put the bait out there and wait for a bite.”
The UW Madison Police Department has purchased additional FSN covert tracking devices, and deployed multiple units around campus. The success of FSN tracking for ensnaring bicycle thieves has led the UW Madison Police Department to launch the “Bait Bike” program to deter thieves from preying on students and staff members. Stickers have been posted around campus reminding thieves that any bike could be a “bait bike”, and FSN’s solid successes make this threat a promise.
About Freight Security Net
Freight Security Net (FSN), a subsidiary of the FreightWatch Group (FWG), is a technology company that develops covert cargo tracking solutions to ensure freight security for the assets of manufacturers throughout the supply and distribution chain. Founded in 2005, our mission is to use the latest Web and assisted GPS technology to design innovative covert tracking, vehicle tracking, and trailer tracking solutions, as well as to integrate the latest technology—including assisted GPS, digital video, wireless communications, and automated information processing technologies—into FWG’s proprietary, industry-leading freight security processes. FSN’s flagship product—FSNtracks— tightens logistics security by covertly monitoring high-value assets while in-transit from a convenient, secure, web-based console. With its unique relationship to FWG, FSN offers its clients far more than basic covert cargo tracking: FSN and FWG deliver a range of products and services that provide a total solution for worldwide cargo security.
Bill Games
President , Freight Security Net (FSN)
(512)329-0292
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