What to Know
- San Diego County currently has about 10,000 auto thefts reported each year, according to local law enforcement.
- The best precautions to avoid a car theft are to keep your vehicle locked with a well maintained alarm system, and keep track of your keys.
- Most common stolen vehicles are Honda Accord and Civic models from the 90s, according to ATF official.
Dozens of people appeared before a San Diego judge Friday to face charges related to a massive car theft ring.
A 10-month undercover operation resulted in the indictment of 42 individuals. Six of the defendants are women, 36 are men.
Prosecutors allege the defendants sold stolen vehicles to a place to be broken up into small pieces. The storefront was operated by undercover officers from various law enforcement agencies.
More than 100 stolen vehicles were seized in the operation. They were held by the detectives for a short period of time and then returned to the victims.
“It involved victims from throughout the county many of whom came from very disadvantaged neighborhoods,” said Deputy District Attorney Matthew Brower.
“This is not just a property crime. This is a crime that affects people’s lives and can affect their employment status,” Brower said.
Local
Thirty-two people were on the court docket Friday. Of those, 29 were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to various charges.
Several are incarcerated and will need to be transferred in order to appear before a judge in this case. One defendant failed to appear.
Three defendants posted bail.
If anyone has information on 10 suspects still at large, they can contact RATT at (888) 835-5728.
