Police to use bait cars, GPS at Fiesta

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Police are using new technology to help keep the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta crime-free.

The nine-day event launches Saturday.

During a news conference Wednesday, police said they'll place ten GPS tracking devices in balloons and trailers to track them if they're stolen.

Also, police said they'll use bait cars around the park to nab would-be auto thieves.

More than 200 local, state, federal and private security teams will be on the ground and in the air to keep a watchful eye during events.

Police have been working with local hotels and businesses to stop crimes.

Chief Ray Schultz said the event has also gotten attention from the federal Department of Homeland Security.

"Should there be some type of international event, we'll know in advance," he said. "The intelligence center has been up and running for several weeks as we plan this event. There will be extra resources invisible to most here during the Balloon Fiesta."

Schultz said police plan to spend around $40,000 in police overtime.

The department's biggest problems every year, Schultz said, are traffic and lost children.