Authorities Investigating Car Thefts, Vandalism At South Metro Dealerships

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Authorities are investigating a rash of vehicle thefts and vandalism in the south Twin Cities metro in recent weeks that they believe is part of a gang initiation.

Authorities say potential gang members are being required to steal cars. They say as many as 16 cars have been stolen, and dozens more have been vandalized at least four dealerships. The targeted vehicles all have smart keys, and authorities say the suspects are smashing rear windows where a lockbox is. They are then holding lock box near the ignition and starting the vehicle using the push button start.

When the key involved has a sleeve, the suspects are not able to start the car. Some keys are in a sleeve and some are not, so authorities say the suspects move to another vehicle equipped with a smart key and hope that a sleeve isn't being used in the lock box. That's causing several vehicles to be damaged in the wake of the theft.

Officials with the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association say they are monitoring the situation and updating dealers with useful information.