Arizona Department of Public Safety investigators detained five people after a months-long investigation into an organized crime ring accused of operating a “chop shop” and stealing over $750,000 in high-end vehicles.
Investigators from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated that the investigation required hundreds of hours of “surveillance, suspect network identification, vehicle tracking, and evidence collection to document the organization’s operations and the movement of stolen vehicles.”
Suspects often target “high-end Mopar vehicles,” such as Hellcat, SRT, and TRX models. They’d allegedly scout out apartment complexes beforehand.
“The suspects would return at a later time, unlawfully access the vehicles, and use electronic technology to start and steal them without a key,” DPS said. “Once stolen, vehicles were either dismantled and sold for parts through online marketplaces and word of mouth, sold intact on the black market at steeply discounted prices, or, in some cases, VIN-switched and used by the suspects before being resold. To date, detectives have identified 16 stolen vehicles valued at over $750,000.”
Investigators conducted eight search warrants, resulting in five arrests. The individuals face many criminal counts, including fraud, theft of a mode of transportation, trafficking in stolen property, and possession of burglary equipment.
DPS did not release the suspects’ identities, but they did release images of a couple of them.
The DPS warns that thefts involving these sorts of vehicles are on the rise and provides advice for keeping autos safe.
- Update vehicle software regularly to ensure the latest security features are active.
- Secure the steering wheel with a locking device when parking in outdoor areas.
- Add an extra layer of security by installing a secondary ignition-locking system.
- Improve recovery chances by equipped vehicles with tracking devices.
- Clear firearms from vehicles whenever they are left unattended.
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