Luxury Car Theft Ring Busted in Bronx Parking Garages
Authorities in New Jersey have announced the arrest of 11 individuals allegedly involved in a sophisticated luxury car theft ring. The stolen vehicles, totaling 43 cars worth approximately $3.65 million, were discovered in two parking garages in the Bronx. The operation, which targeted expensive cars across Morris, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Burlington counties, involved breaking into homes to steal vehicle keys.
The investigation, led by New Jersey’s Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice, revealed that the thieves would steal high-end vehicles and transport them to the Bronx, where they were stored in parking garages before being shipped to West African countries. Some of the stolen vehicles were found in shipping containers at ports in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Staten Island, New York.
Among the stolen vehicles were luxury brands such as Land Rovers, Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs, and Rolls-Royces. Notably, a $475,000 Rolls-Royce was among the stolen cars. The thieves targeted not only extremely valuable vehicles but also luxury cars that might not be immediately considered high-value targets, such as a BMW X7 and an Audi SQ8, both valued at approximately $52,000.
The thefts were often accompanied by home break-ins, during which thieves stole not only vehicle keys but also other valuable items. Surveillance footage revealed that in one instance, thieves stole a Gucci purse, Gucci wallet, Valentino wallet, $400 in cash, a driver’s license, a New Jersey Firearms ID card, and the vehicles.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the broader impact of these crimes, stating, “This case is about more than just the theft of vehicles; it is about stealing people’s sense of security and safety.” Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark added, “This case reflects how car theft today is a global enterprise.”
The successful operation was the result of collaboration between the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, the NYPD Auto Crime unit, and the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lupo played a key role in identifying and dismantling the theft ring.
The arrests and recoveries mark a significant step in combating luxury car theft and related crimes, reassuring communities that law enforcement is working to restore their sense of safety and security.
