New Thefts Plague Auto Dealerships This Summer, 400 Cars Stolen

Introduction

Michigan car dealerships and all across the US are facing a massive crisis this summer. A highly organized car theft ring has targeted dealerships and factories, making off with hundreds of vehicles. As the thefts continue to rise, dealers are scrambling to protect their businesses, turning to private security firms in a desperate attempt to curb the epidemic. The situation has grown so dire that the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association is actively seeking solutions to put an end to the unprecedented wave of crime sweeping the state.

The Scope of the Problem

The sheer scale of these thefts is staggering. Over 400 vehicles, valued at an estimated $8 million, have been stolen from dealerships and factories across 40 jurisdictions in Michigan. This wave of crime isn’t just targeting high-end dealerships; even manufacturer shipping locations have fallen victim to these brazen thieves. The car theft ring’s tactics are reminiscent of drug dealers from the ’80s, exploiting vulnerable young people to gain access to the vehicles.

The Impact on Dealerships

Dealerships are at their wit’s end. Envy Auto Group in St. Clair Shores lost a $65,000 BMW after thieves drove through the display window. Similarly, A&B Motors Gratiot in Roseville saw three vehicles stolen after a fence was crashed through. Two of these cars were later found in Detroit, one of which had been smashed into a tree with a 14-year-old boy inside, who was subsequently taken into custody.

Response from the Authorities

The police have been struggling to keep up with the rising number of thefts. Detroit police have been working to crack down on these criminals, but their efforts haven’t been sufficient to stop the tide. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association called in private security experts to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the problem.

Private Security Steps In

Carl Berry, a former police chief with over 20 years of experience in handling security for the North American International Auto Show, was brought in to tackle the issue. He organized a meeting with county prosecutors from Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties to discuss potential solutions. Berry’s approach involves a thorough assessment of what’s currently not working at dealerships and devising a plan to improve security measures.

Berry’s plan includes presenting their strategy to insurance companies to help reduce rates for dealerships. As someone with a background in the automotive industry, Berry understands the challenges dealers face and is committed to pointing out what works and what doesn’t, making necessary recommendations to enhance security.

Criminal Tactics and Juvenile Involvement

The car theft ring’s modus operandi is particularly concerning. They recruit juveniles, who are often caught and then released back to their parents pending investigation. This revolving door allows the young thieves to continue targeting dealerships. The stolen vehicles are then delivered to gangs, who sell them for a profit.

Lieutenant Rene Gonzalez of the Michigan State Police explained that these criminals not only steal vehicles but also strip them for parts, which are then sold separately. This practice has made Dodge, GMC, and Chevrolet dealerships frequent targets. The lack of significant police presence in certain areas, like Adrian and Dundee, has also made these regions attractive to thieves.

Surveillance cameras captured thieves stealing luxury cars from a dealership in Southfield.

Security Measures and Costs

Dealerships are considering drastic measures to protect their inventory. Some are looking into installing mechanical pillars that rise at the entrance during closing hours, while others are thinking about laying down spikes around the perimeter. However, these measures come at a significant cost, which not all dealers are prepared to bear.

The Reality of Car Theft

Car theft is not a new issue in Michigan. Organized criminal rings have been stealing cars for years, but the current wave is unprecedented in its scale and frequency. These rings hire teenagers for a few hundred dollars to steal cars from dealerships or train yards. They use advanced technology to locate keys or copy key fobs, making it easier to drive off with the vehicles.

Once stolen, the cars are either sold or found abandoned, often during traffic stops. Dealerships typically don’t fill the cars with much gas, so thieves frequently abandon them when they run out of fuel. These abandoned cars are often recovered by authorities, but not before causing significant financial damage to the dealerships.

The Fallout for Buyers

The fallout from these thefts extends beyond dealerships. Unsuspecting buyers who purchase these stolen vehicles online face severe consequences. Thieves often alter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or create fake titles to sell the cars at reduced prices. When buyers attempt to transfer the title, they are notified that the car is stolen and lose whatever money they spent on the vehicle. Lieutenant Gonzalez advises potential buyers to be cautious, urging them to transfer the title with the seller and watch out for deals that seem too good to be true.

Law Enforcement’s Approach

Michigan State Police have adopted a cautious approach when dealing with stolen vehicles on the road. Lieutenant Gonzalez explained that they often avoid pursuing stolen cars, especially when young, reckless drivers are behind the wheel, to prevent endangering others. Instead, they hope to recover the vehicles later without incident.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigations into these car thefts are ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to track down the perpetrators and recover stolen vehicles. Despite the challenges, the commitment to ending this crime wave remains strong, with law enforcement and private security firms collaborating to find effective solutions.

Conclusion

The car theft epidemic in Michigan has created a crisis for dealerships, law enforcement, and unsuspecting buyers. As organized criminal rings continue to exploit vulnerabilities, the need for comprehensive security measures and vigilant law enforcement efforts becomes increasingly critical. The collaboration between private security experts and county prosecutors represents a significant step forward in combating this wave of crime, but the battle is far from over. Michigan’s dealerships, armed with new strategies and heightened awareness, remain determined to protect their assets and bring an end to this unprecedented spree of thefts.