Yahoo Autos Huge Car Theft Ring Busted In Texas
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Authorities are doing a victory lap after busting what they claim is one of the biggest auto theft rings to ever exist in North Texas. We can’t confirm that’s true, but we’re liking this trend of organized crime groups getting dismantled by police and the members thrown in prison.
Nevada DMV officers take down a VIN-swapping ring.
While only seven men were arrested in the bust, police say they’re responsible for the theft of hundreds of high-end cars in the Dallas Fort Worth area. That totals between $5 and $10 million worth of vehicles, so we’d agree the operation was big.
We’re just now hearing about this bust through CBS News even though the bust originally happened back in March. Multiple SWAT raids were executed in Garland and Dallas, stolen vehicles seized and the men authorities say were running the operation arrested.
Reportedly, the theft ring was taken down all thanks to a crime analyst with the Grapevine Police Department recognizing a distinct vehicle used in two separate theft cases. Digging further, investigators were able to start building connections with suspect vehicles and yet more thefts. With physical and visual evidence, police were able to get search warrants.
Like so many other car theft rings, at least one member reportedly was bragging about his spoils on social media. Authorities found a post from Jose Ramon Perez of some nice cars in his garage just a few days before a SWAT team raided his house. They found two stolen vehicles there as well as devices for reprogramming ignitions.
The group allegedly had re-vinned some of the stolen cars, selling them to unsuspecting buyers. They have also been accused of shipping other vehicles out of the state and even trying to send some into Mexico.
What’s really great about this bust is it’s put a huge dent in the car theft problem for the Dallas Fort Worth area. For example, Grapevine reportedly experienced zero vehicles swiped the month after the bust. This is why we love seeing these groups taken down and hope the trend continues.
Image via CBS Texas/YouTube
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