You may recall the big announcement at the beginning of November when the Fresno Police Department took control of five beds in the Fresno County Jail. They chose to reserve those spaces for the city's most prolific auto thieves. Five of them now occupy those cells and they appear to be locked up for good.
"We're very excited about that," said Sgt. Tim Tietjen of the Fresno Police Dept.
Sergeant Tim Tietjen heads up the police department's Career Criminal Auto Theft Team or CCAT. He says two weeks ago, when those men were on the streets, 15 vehicles were being stolen each day. Now, things are looking much better.
"In the last three days we've only have five cars stolen in the city of Fresno each night. That's incredible," said Sgt.Tietjen.
Chris Lam claims to be one of those stealing numerous cars.
"It's fairly simple as much as I hate to admit it. It's not like you got to be a brain surgeon to do it," said Chris Lam, a self-admitted car thief.
We caught up with the 30-year old Tuesday night after he was released from jail. Lam admits to being a meth addict, a habit which fuels his criminal behavior.
"I want to get better and I want my family to take me back," said Lam.
Police want to see that happen as well, so as part of a second phase they are giving the alleged auto thieves in those five special cells the option to enter a drug rehab program. The deal is, they get to stay out of jail as long as they do not reoffend.
"It's really about getting people help and giving them an opportunity to live a normal life. We hope when this is all said and done we can do that," said Sgt.Tietjen.
If drug rehab is not suitable for the suspect, police have another option. They want to put gps ankle bracelets on them so officers can track their every move.
