The North County Ford dealership in Arab, Alabama, became the scene of a thrilling heist straight out of a blockbuster action film, as a daring gang of thieves executed a sensational theft. The spoils? An astonishing haul of vehicles totaling $1.2 million, headlined by a spectacular 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, whose price tag soared to $158,000. This exclusive automobile, one of the mere 3,300 ever crafted before the legendary HEMI engine’s retirement, represents a grievous blow to the dealership, adding an extra layer of poignancy to the already monumental loss.
Details of the heist
The heist, which occurred in the early hours of April 9, was as brazen as it was sophisticated. The thieves used a simple rock to break into the service bay window, gaining access to the dealership’s main building. Once inside, they quickly disabled the extensive camera system and erased hours of footage, effectively blinding the dealership’s security measures and ensuring their actions went undetected.
But the real trick up their sleeves was a laptop, which they used to hack into the key safe, stealing 330 keys. With modern cars featuring keyless entry and push-button start, the thieves simply had to walk up to their chosen vehicles, press a button, and drive away into the night. The eight stolen cars included not only the Demon 170 but also a Jeep Wagoneer and a Ford Bronco Raptor, both of which have since been recovered, showcasing the audacity and precision of the heist.
The aftermath of the heist has left the dealership reeling, with the tedious task of reprogramming all the stolen keys. In a bid to recover the keys, the dealership has offered a $10,000 reward for their return, ‘no questions asked.’ This incident is a stark reminder that even with robust security measures, dealerships are not immune to the cunning of determined criminals, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and improved security protocols.
This is not the first major car theft in Alabama this year. In March, a Corvette Z06 Convertible, a GMC Sierra, and a GMC Yukon were stolen right off another showroom floor. That theft ended with the thieves being spotted at a gas station, struggling with the Corvette’s top in the chilly early spring weather, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by dealerships in securing their valuable inventory.
The relevant departments are taking measures
The local police and the FBI are now on the hunt for the remaining six vehicles and the thieves responsible for this audacious crime. They are asking anyone with information to come forward and help in the recovery of the stolen vehicles, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving such high-profile cases.
As the investigation continues, the dealership and the Arab community are left to ponder the boldness of the crime and the vulnerability of even the most secure facilities. It’s a reminder that in the world of high-stakes theft, sometimes all it takes is a rock, a laptop, and a bag of keys to make off with a fortune, underscoring the ever-present threat of sophisticated criminal activity.
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Thieves Break Window With Rock, Drive Off With Rare Dodge and $1.2 Million Worth of Cars
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