GPS Tracking Device Leads to Suspected Snow Plow Chop Shop

29 Dec 2015

A man in Michigan City was arrested for being connected with a suspected chop shop after a stolen snowplow truck was tracked down by police through its GPS tracking device.

Thomas Lambert, who is 48, is being charged with 3 counts of Level 6 felony theft in LaPorte Circuit Court. Mike Kellems, LaPorte County police Capt. says more charges could be coming against Lambert. The truck was reported stolen from a Hammond snow removal company right before Thanksgiving. Lambert had said he purchased the truck, according to court documents.

The plow’s satellite GPS tracking device led investigators directly to Lambert’s home, and once they received a search warrant, they found evidence of the stolen plow as well as a fuel transfer tank, a pump, and a salt spreader all cut off of the truck, according to court documents.

Thirty other vehicles were found by the investigators while they were searching for the stolen plow, and many were stripped right to the frame.

Kellems reported that following the late morning arrest, a dozen police officers combed through motor vehicles, boats, open containers filled of car parts, snowmobiles and other varieties of items. Gas tanks, fenders and motors were just a few of the parts found. The items were found inside a large pole barn, a two-car garage and the grounds outside the structures on a 10-acre parcel that was heavily wooded.

At this point, the police are trying to verify if the items were stolen and where they all originated. The Indiana State Police and The National Insurance Crime Bureau have both joined the investigation.

GPS tracking has been around since the early 1970s and a network of satellites in orbit is what makes it work. They determine the time and location of a device. Many types of businesses use GPS tracking. For instance, delivery companies can use the devices to keep an eye on their delivery trucks at all times. Managers can track their employees and be sure they are where they are supposed to be. They can also improve customer service by allowing customers to know when the drivers are due at their homes with their delivery.

And of course, GPS tracking devices can lead law enforcement or investigators to stolen property like snow plows and enable them to retrieve the stolen property and make an arrest.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.