Thieves target dealerships and new vehicle storage lots at manufacturing facilities using pro pads and tablets that can unscramble key fobs
Lansing, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation on Tuesday that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel calls a significant step toward curbing auto thefts across the state. House Bill 5182, sponsored by state Representative Denise Mentzer, and House Bill 5183, sponsored by state Representative Alabas Farhat, impose stricter penalties for possessing traditional burglar tools or electronic devices intended to break into motor vehicles with the intent to steal. The new law classifies this offense as a 5-year felony, or a 10-year felony if part of a criminal enterprise.
In May, the Attorney General announced the arrest and charges of six individuals by the FORCE team, followed by two more arrests, for their alleged involvement in a criminal organization responsible for stealing over 400 vehicles worth approximately $8 million in Southeast Michigan. The criminal ring allegedly targeted new vehicle storage lots at manufacturing facilities, car dealerships, parking lots, and individual residences using pro pads, tablets that can unscramble key fobs, and other burglary tools.
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