Cops crack down on vehicle thefts from dealerships

MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb Auto Theft Squad teamed with local law enforcement in Clinton Township, Roseville and Sterling Heights on July 10 to provide surveillance for several car dealerships.

The investigation came after an influx of thefts from dealerships in the county, according to a press release from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the surveillance came after “months” of similar break-ins. He said local law enforcement worked well with the county agency, but the success of the operation was limited.

“We just can’t be everywhere and there are so many of these crews that are out there that are hitting these dealerships,” Wickersham said.

Dealerships in St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township and Roseville were observed being broken into on the morning of July 10. Envy Auto Group in St. Clair Shores was broken into around 3:30 a.m. In Clinton Township, Moran Chevrolet (approximately 4:45 a.m.) and Dorian Ford (approximately 5 a.m.) were burglarized. A&B Motors in Roseville was broken into at about 6 a.m.

One 14-year-old suspect is currently in custody after attempting to flee police in a Ford EcoSport from A&B Motors in Roseville. The other suspects remain at large. All vehicles stolen on July 10 were recovered, except for a Dodge Durango stolen from A&B Motors.

Wickersham said these break-ins are often carried out by teenagers, which makes investigating the cases difficult.

“That’s one of the frustrating things that we have seen in a lot of these investigations: the individuals who are doing it are all juvenile status,” he said.

Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, according to Wickersham.

“I think they’re all connected,” he said.