The latest addition to B.C.’s well known bait car program appears to be catching the attention of thieves.

RCMP say the majority of the 20 arrests related to bait cars so far in 2013 are cases involving thefts from vehicles, as opposed to thefts of the vehicles themselves.

A bait property program was launched in January, where valuable items like cell phones and tablet computers are planted in bait vehicles to catch criminals.

The bait vehicles are parked in areas known for break-ins, and are packed with commonly stolen items: GPS units, expensive stereos, phones, tablets, even expensive sunglasses.

When a bait car is broken into dispatchers can immediately see what’s going on inside via a live video feed.

In addition to having serial numbers and descriptions of the items and suspect, police can also use GPS to track some of the bait property.

Recently released footage from Victoria police captures a bait car break-in where a laptop and digital camera were stolen. Police say a suspect was arrested within days.

“We expect to lose most of the property but that doesn't always happen,” said Sgt. Rayburn Ross.

Though property theft is the latest focus of the bait car program, ICBC says the number of vehicle break-ins has actually dropped significantly.

Break-ins were down 63 per cent in Metro Vancouver last year compared to 2003, and down 62 per cent province-wide.

The insurance agency says the average claim costs about a thousand dollars.

Rates have also dropped around 15 per cent since last year in Vancouver, although break-ins are still prevalent. Police have recorded more than 2,400 thefts from vehicles in Vancouver this year – 744 last month alone.

Community policing volunteers are also doing their part to fight back.

On Robson Street, an area recently targeted, volunteers hand out notices to inform drivers that their goods are on display.

“Cell phones are very commonly left in cars, GPSs, laptops, handbags, wallets,” said Richard Wright.

B.C.’s Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team – or IMPACT -- recommend no valuables are ever left in the car, or at least make sure they’re out of sight. You can also engrave your driver’s license number on vehicle accessories, including your stereo.

“Any item of value is what they’re waiting for,” said Sgt. Ross.

There have been 20 bait car-related arrests in 2013.