Members of the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force (KernCATT) conducted an auto theft interdiction operation in the Bakersfield area utilizing a bait trailer Tuesday and Wednesday.

Shortly before midnight the trailer was stolen by a subject by hooking the trailer up to his vehicle and driving away from the location where it was parked by investigators.

The subject, later identified as Rene Camberos, towed the stolen bait trailer back to his residence in the on Joleta Court near McKee Road and Wible Road in Southwest Bakersfield. Investigators responded to the location and made contact with Camberos at his home.

The trailer was found still hooked up to Camberos's vehicle. Subsequent investigation led to Camberos being arrested for felony charges of taking the bait trailer.

KernCATT anticipates further deployment of bait vehicle technology with the intent to disrupt future auto theft violators.

KernCATT would like to remind the public to remain vigilant against the auto thief and utilize all anti-theft measures available to them such as locking your vehicle, use vehicle alarms and other devices such as a steering wheel locking device.