Milwaukee police have recently uncovered a new scheme targeting high-end Dodges, Chryslers, and Jeeps with Street Racing Technology (SRT), which involves stealing valuable vehicle technology. The investigation began on March 1, 2024, after officials noticed a pattern of stolen cars, including multiple Dodge Chargers taken on different dates. Suspects would break a window, tow the car to an unlicensed auto shop where it would be dismantled for parts or repaired with a fake VIN number and title.
Court documents reveal that license plate reading cameras helped police track the stolen cars to two auto shops in Milwaukee where they found multiple loaded guns and stolen plates. One suspect, 20-year-old Ike Reed, is currently in custody and facing charges of conspiracy to commit theft, claiming he was only a tow truck driver and car mechanic present for the thefts.
As of now, three of the reported stolen cars have been recovered, and Reed is set to have a preliminary hearing in court on June 20 at 1:30 p.m. Stellantis, the company that owns Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge, released a statement saying that their vehicles meet all safety and security standards and use industry-standard vehicle-security technology. They emphasize the importance of motorists securing their vehicles and ensuring that the security and protection of customers are top priorities at Stellantis.
The discovery of this scheme highlights the need for greater attention to vehicle security measures as criminals continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in modern vehicles. Motorists should take steps to protect their vehicles by using anti-theft devices such as alarm systems or steering wheel locks when parking their cars overnight or leaving them unattended for extended periods.
In addition to taking precautions with their own vehicles, motorists should also report any suspicious activity they observe while driving or parked near other vehicles. By working together to combat this type of criminal activity, we can help keep our roads safer for everyone who travels on them.
Stay tuned for more updates as this case progresses through the legal system.
