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Did Austin police commit crime in 'bait car' episode?

I wrote the other day about the Austin PD's "bait car" program in which they left a vehicle with the windows down and the keys in the ignition for several days in a residential neighborhood to entice thieves. In the comments to that post, an alert reader pointed to this page on the Austin Police Department website that claims, "Leaving your key in an unattended motor vehicle is a crime in Texas" (#7). I find that statement especially fascinating considering Austin PD's official reasons for leaving the keys in the ignition of their "bait car," according to the Austin Statesman:[Sgt. Oliver] Tate said there's good reason to sometimes leave the keys in the ignition and the windows rolled down, even if it raises suspicions. "It's about factors that we are seeing in that area," Tate said...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on August 11, 2009 (boomark / email).