Professional Thieves Target Specific Cars

INDIANAPOLIS -- Professional car thieves have been targeting one of the hottest cars on Dodge dealer lots.

Several Dodge Chargers have been taken off of local lots recently. Gene Beltz Shadeland Dodge was one of the targets. About $60,000 worth of tools compatible with the Charger and four high-end models were stolen from that lot in May.

"They knew what they were looking for. They had some method to their madness, knew some of our methods of operation, which we have since changed," said Kevin Beltz, the dealer's general manager. "Obviously, when they become popular out on the marketplace, they become popular with the thieves also."

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Thieves Go After Dodge Cars

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According to police, three Chargers were stolen from Champion Dodge on the north side, and a Charger and two Dodge Magnums were taken from the lot at Hubler Dodge on the south side, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

Only one of the stolen cars has been recovered, from a man who claimed he bought it from someone and was unaware it was stolen.

The vehicle had its VIN plate changed and its documents altered.

Police said anyone in the market for a Dodge Charger should buy it from a dealer and not from an individual -- especially a new model with low mileage.

Investigators asked anyone with information about the thefts to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.