The Eyewitness National Crime Alert for August 28, 2017
These incidents were reported across the country from 8.21.17 to 8.27.17
Lakeland, FL — Reported 8.21.17
CCTV, Burglar Alarms Fail to Foil Hour-Long Theft
On 8.20.17, a thief removed the air-conditioning unit from a dealership repair shop window to steal several sets of car keys. After spending an hour in the building under the watchful eyes of a CCTV system, the man cut the front gate locks and drove away in a 2000 blue Porsche Boxter convertible. The burglar alarm tripped only after he left the dealership.
Anyone with information should call 800–226–8477 (Original article)
Portsmouth, VA — Reported 8.21.17
Mindless Vandalism Costs Thousands, Forces Dealership to Up Security
Two dealerships suffered seemingly mindless vandalism over the weekend of 8.20.17. A sliding chain-link gate was no match for the determined thieves, who destroyed the barrier to steal a car from the lot. Whoever it was spray painted the entire area and shattered windows across the lot.
One dealership partner says they’re installing security cameras for future events. In the meantime, they have “thousands of dollars” in damages to repair before they can reopen for business. (Original article)
Palm Springs, FL — 8.22.17
Pair Steals Employee Wallet + Credit Cards
Last Tuesday, two men (pictured) brazenly walked into a dealership, stole an employee’s wallet and credit cards from his desk, then left on foot.
Anyone with information as to the pair’s identity should call 1–800–458–8477 (Original article)
Watertown, MA — 8.22.17
Normal Drop-Off Presents Opportunity for Car Thief
During a regular late-night inventory drop-off at a local dealership, a random person entered a Volkswagen car and drove away. Police found the car totaled in Brighton, with both airbags deployed and the windshield smashed.
While the thief fled the scene, police say he probably has head and neck injuries “due to the severity of the crash.” They currently have no other leads in this case. (Original article)
Bridgeton, NJ — Reported 8.23.17
Five Years Later, Justice and Restitution for $299,244 Employee Theft
Back in March 2012, police arrested the general manager of a local dealership. He later admitted in court that he stole $299,244 from the family-owned business.
Five years later, a judge gave the ex-manager a suspended three-year prison sentence. In addition, the judge required the ex-manager to repay the dealership $75,000 in restitution — $50,000 of which must be paid in the next 90 days, or else face re-sentencing. The ex-manager is also banned from any gambling establishments.
A civil judgement on the same case requires the ex-manager to make further restitution to the dealership “as money becomes available.” (Original article)
Galesburg, MI –8.23.17
Summer Automotive Thefts Might Be Over — Two Suspects Hospitalized
Following a summer rash of automotive part thefts across Michigan, police received a tip identifying several suspects as part of the statewide theft ring. Undercover officers found the suspects attempting to break into vehicles and tried to stop them.
Instead, a major car chase ensued, ending when the driver hit a cement barrier and flipped the car, seriously injuring both occupants. Both suspects remain at the hospital in “temporary serious condition” and under police supervision. (Original article)
Columbia, SC — Reported 8.25.17
Identity Thieves “Purchase” Audi Q7, Maserati Ghibli in Multiple States
On 7.26.17, a man and a woman used another person’s identity to “purchase” an Audi Q7 in South Carolina. Authorities believe the couple used the same identity to acquire even more cars — including a Maserati Ghibli, Chevrolet Corvette, and a Ford F450 — in neighboring states.
Police seized laptops and computers from the suspects’ home, but the pair remain at large. Anyone with information should call 1–888-CRIME-SC. (Original article)
Norway, ME — 8.25.17
100+ MPH Chase Leads to Driverless Car Almost Causing Accident
Last Wednesday night (8.23.17), two dealerships lost a Mini Cooper, a Ford Fusion, and a Chevrolet Impala between them to theft. A local police officer spotted the missing Mini Cooper and Ford in local mobile home neighborhood. When he tried to pursue, the driver “took off” and crashed the vehicle, leaving behind a fishing license.
Further investigation located the Impala, which initiated a 100+ mph chase that forced cars off the pavement. Eventually, the driver bailed from the still-moving vehicle to escape on foot, and was subsequently apprehended.
A local Samaritan managed to jump into the driverless Impala and stop the vehicle before a major accident occurred.
Two accomplices were also arrested related to the thefts. One said they broke the window at one facility to steal the car keys. (Original article)
Originally published at Eyewitness Surveillance.
