NY authorities: Theft ring ‘stalked’ luxury car owners

NY authorities: Theft ring ‘stalked’ luxury car owners

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say a car theft ring “stalked” New York City residents who drove Lexus SUVs and other mint-condition luxury vehicles so it could steal the cars and fill orders from clients in northwest Africa.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said today that members of the ring “used the streets of New York as their own personal auto showroom.” Police have made 14 arrests.

Authorities say a Maryland-based international broker provided the ring with requests for specific makes, models and colors of cars. A locksmith and an employee at an Orlando, Fla., dealership provided special codes that allowed the thieves to steal the vehicles. The vehicles were shipped out of ports in New Jersey and Maryland.

Most went to Africa. Some ended up on the black market in the Chicago area.