Image: AbbyPD

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Bait program pays dividends

Bait property program to expand in Abbotsford after police secure nearly a dozen guilty pleas

Nov 25, 2025 | 9:01 AM

ABBOTSFORD — A spokesperson for the Abbotsford Police Department says it will expand its Bait Property program after a successful yearlong pilot that resulted in nearly a dozen arrests and a dozen guilty pleas.

According to a statement from Sgt. Paul Walker, the Abbotsford PD’s patrol branch intends to further utilize the program that was initially launched as a pilot but has proven to be a core strategy within patrol to better target property crime on the frontlines.

Sgt. Walker says the initiative relies on GPS-enabled bait items, such as bicycles, tools, and equipment, methodically placed in areas experiencing higher theft rates. When deployed, Sgt. Walker says these items help officers identify and arrest repeat offenders—individuals responsible for a significant portion of local property crimes.

The program was funded through the provincial Civil Forfeiture Office’s police equipment grants, ensuring there was no additional cost to Abbotsford taxpayers.

“Property crimes involving tools, equipment, and bicycles can have a serious impact on residents who may not have the means to replace stolen items,” Sgt. Walker said. “By targeting chronic offenders, the Bait Property Program aims to reduce these crimes and increase community safety.

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Pilot Program Results:

• 37 deployments year-to-date, resulting in 11 arrests.

• Of the 37 deployments, 15 deployments used older bait items, while 22 deployments utilized new items purchased through the Civil Forfeiture grant.

• With the new equipment, arrests occur in over 30 per cent of deployments.

• To date, 11 guilty pleas have been secured, reducing court time for officers and sparing victims from testifying.

“These results show that the program is working,” said Sergeant Alton. “We’re holding repeat offenders accountable while protecting our community from the financial and emotional impact of property crime.”

The Abbotsford Police Department says it is happy to embrace innovative strategies that reduce crime, enhance public safety, and ensure offenders face consequences.