GALESBURG (WKZO-AM/FM) — Over 40 auto dealerships in Michigan have been systematically targeted by thieves who descend on lots under the cover of night.
They are organized, focused and fast. They take what they want and disappear, leaving damaged vehicles and insurance claims in their wake.
They hit Galesburg Ford a few months ago, taking tires and rims valued at $85,000. The target for a gang that hit a dealership in Marshall was dashboard electronics.
Now, Michigan State Police reportedly have some suspects in custody near Detroit linked to a number of tire and rim thefts in southeast Michigan.
Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Pali Matyas said his office will the checking to see if those suspects can also be linked to the raid in Galesburg.
Investigators think new technology, which makes it tougher to steal and resell new vehicles, has prompted thieves to steal parts of them instead.
