ARLINGTON, Va. -- Three girls arrested in November in a car theft case are the first three female juveniles convicted thanks to Arlington County's bait car program, police said.

At about 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 6, the bait car alerted dispatchers to an attempted theft, authorities said. Officers responded and found the three suspects in and around the bait car and in possession of items taken from the car. Police said two of the teens took items from the car while the third teen tried to take the car itself.

The three suspects were arrested and have been found guilty in the case.

Arlington County police's bait vehicles are parked in areas known for auto-related crimes. When someone enters one of the vehicles, a silent alarm alerts dispatchers and audio and video equipment is activated. If the bait car becomes mobile, its location is monitored. Once officers are in position, the bait car's engine is disabled and its doors are locked.

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Since the program was launched in February 2002, there have been 94 activations of bait cars resulting in the apprehension of 92 suspects. Police have obtained 151 felony and 66 misdemeanor warrants with the bait cars. The program also has a 100 percent conviction rate.

Police said word is spreading about the bait cars, which hopefully causes would-be car thieves to think twice.