WESTWOOD, Mass. -
Launching its first Vehicle Theft Alert this week, LoJack reported that attempted vehicle thefts at dealerships are escalating.
 
Between Sept. 21 and Nov. 23 of this year, at least 12 instances of attempted theft were reported at dealerships. In these cases, law enforcement officials told the company the thefts were deterred by LoJack’s Stolen Vehicle Recovery System. This means it could be vital for dealerships to ensure their inventory is secured.
 
"The recent increase in dealer lot theft is alarming because it underscores how sophisticated and brazen today’s professional thieves have become. These clever thieves are targeting both new- and used-car dealers; are using a variety of methods to steal vehicles and, in some instances, are even employing violence," said Patrick Clancy, vice president of law enforcement at LoJack Corp.
 
"Dealers need to be aware of this trend and should take measures to protect their dealerships and the vehicles on their lots,” he added.
 
According to the LoJack data, fraud is one of the leading factors behind many of these recent thefts.
 
Offering dealerships tips on what to look out for, the company revealed In one instance, a suspect purchased two vehicles — a 2010 Lincoln Navigator and a 2011 Ford F-350 pick-up truck — using fraudulent documents and a fictitious business name.  
 
The fraud became apparent over time. Once an investigation confirmed that the vehicles were stolen, the dealer was able to get the LoJack unit in the Navigator activated.  Apparently, within four minutes, the vehicle was tracked and located. A suspect was taken into custody. The company noted that the F-350, which did not have a tracking device, was not recovered.
 
Breaking into a dealership and stealing keys is apparently another major method behind recent dealership thefts.
 
In one instance, the company said a thief broke into a dealership during the night and stole a Hummer H2 along with the keys to 60 other vehicles parked on the lot. Once the theft was discovered and reported, the police entered the VIN into the National Crime Information Center police computer, which activated the LoJack signal and allowed the vehicle to be located. Luckily, all 60 other keys were in the vehicle when it was discovered.
 
In yet another instance, apparently three men approached a used car dealer and asked for a test ride. During the ride, one of the men pulled a weapon and the other two forced the salesman out of the vehicle, carjacking a Mercedes E-500.  
 
Again the plot was foiled thanks to the tracking device. The ensuing investigation led to the arrest of three people and the recovery of the Mercedes, as well as a second vehicle that had also apparently been carjacked.
 
Overall, seven suspects have been arrested as a result of these dealership recoveries, the company revealed.