Bicycle theft was a growing concern across the City of Hastings, Minnesota. To address the problem, the Police Department launched an innovative “Bait Bike” program. The program used 3Si GPS trackers supported by DirectToDispatch™. This helped officers monitor the bike’s location. It also supported law enforcement response with real-time intelligence.

Key Takeaways from the Hastings Bait Bike Program

  • Real-time GPS alerts support law enforcement response. When the bait bike was moved, Hastings Police received activation alerts. Officers used those alerts to locate the bike and apprehend suspects.
  • Location intelligence gives officers better situational awareness. GPS data helped officers monitor the bike’s movement. It also gave them actionable information during an active theft.
  • Reliable tracking strengthens investigations. The program led to two arrests in four months. One suspect pled guilty. Another case is pending with strong evidence.
  • Technology can support enforcement involving repeat offenders. Both arrests involved individuals with extensive criminal histories. This shows how GPS-enabled operations can support theft response involving repeat offenders.
  • Centralized evidence supports safer, more efficient responses. The Chief noted that 3Si DirectToDispatch™ helps centralize key evidence. That evidence supports safer and more efficient responses.

In the letter below, the Chief shares how the program worked and the results Hastings Police saw.
 

A Letter from Chief of Hastings Police

 
TO: 3Si Security Systems
FROM: Chief of the Hastings Police Department (Hastings, MN)

“During the summer, an Officer of the Hastings Police Department researched various GPS tracking products in an effort to reduce bicycle thefts within the city. After receiving strong reviews of the 3Si product, the Officer developed a proposal, and the department purchased one tracking unit.

The GPS tracker was installed to protect an electric bike that was generously donated by a local citizen for use in the program. On August 5, 2025, the Officer deployed the bait bike in the historic downtown district. On August 9, 2025, on-duty officers received an activation alert and were able to successfully apprehend the suspect after he placed the stolen bicycle into a truck for transport. The male confessed to the theft, pled guilty in court, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison due to his extensive criminal history.

The bait bike was later redeployed to multiple locations. On November 19, 2025, the department received another activation. Officers tracked the GPS signal and made a second arrest. This individual also had an extensive criminal history and had just left court for a separate theft case. He observed the bait bike outside Walmart, stole a pair of wire cutters from the store, and then stole the bicycle. This case is still pending in court; however, we believe the evidence is strong and are optimistic about a conviction.

The GPS device has functioned reliably and responsively. In a relatively short period, it has directly resulted in two successful arrests. While it is still early to measure the program’s overall impact on bicycle thefts, we are confident that this initiative, supported by 3Si’s DirectToDispatch’s ability to centralize key evidence for safer and more efficient responses, will contribute to a reduction in thefts within our community.”

See the letter here.
 

Protect Your Community with 3Si

 

The Hastings “Bait Bike” program shows the value of 3Si DirectToDispatch™ and GPS tracking technology. It supported theft response, law enforcement operations, and community safety. In just a few months, the program directly led to two arrests. Both individuals had extensive criminal histories. The results show the real-world impact of using GPS tracking in policing efforts.

If your organization needs proven real-time intelligence technology, 3Si can help. Our solutions support security, theft response, and law enforcement operations.

Contact us here or visit our DirectToDispatch™ (DTD™) page to learn more and see how our solutions can support your community.