This browser does not support the Video element.
Nearly 2 dozen suspects arrested in auto theft ring
FOX 26 Reporter Abigail Dye has more on the investigation by Houston police.
HOUSTON - An investigation by the Houston Police Department's Auto Theft Division led to the arrest of 23 suspects linked to a ring responsible for multiple car thefts across Houston in the last five years.
Reggie Jackson, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, was a victim of this auto theft ring. He says his $160,000 Hellcat was stolen in August and he still hasn’t gotten it back.
Police say Maximiliano Rodriguez, 33, identified as the ringleader, faces multiple felony charges and is believed to have orchestrated the theft of over $10 million worth of vehicles in recent years. Authorities arrested Rodriguez on Sept. 22 when investigators executed a search and arrest warrant at his home in Spring.
SUGGESTED: Three auto theft suspects arrested, one hides in northeast Houston gas station
During the investigation, police learned Rodriguez trained and recruited people with the promise of easy money. After agreeing, the recruits would be given tools and receive training to steal high-end cars.
According to the police, Rodriguez's crew targeted luxury apartment complexes in areas like Galleria, Downtown, and the Heights. As soon as he stole a car, Rodriguez used a sophisticated network of drop locations and stash houses to conceal the stolen cars.
Police say the cars were then sold to unsuspecting buyers online through Facebook and OfferUp. During the transaction, Rodriquez would use false documents and change the VIN, making it difficult to track the cars down.
According to police, among the notable arrests was Juan Luna, 33, who was arrested on Sept. 26 for the theft of Jackson's car.
Mike Eustace is a specialist and manager at Howards Safe Lock. They’ve been in business for 65 years and know everything about car key fobs.
He says thieves use a couple of different items to steal cars that are operated with key fobs, and it can happen in just seconds.
One method uses a device to steal a key fob’s code if it’s in close range of the fob, which can then be duplicated onto a blank fob that will turn the car on with no problem.
RELATED: Houston Crime: Woman stolen car found at Alara Apartments in Greenpoint, police launch investigation
This theft can be prevented by using an RFID shield to keep your key fob in so it blocks any devices trying to steal your fob’s signal.
This browser does not support the Video element.
HPD announces auto theft ring arrests
The Houston Police Department says several people were arrested in connection to a major auto theft ring.
The other device plugs directly into the car. A thief breaks into the car, plugs the device in, and can make a key right there with a blank key fob. The original key fob doesn’t have to be anywhere near the car.
To prevent that, law enforcement suggests general anti-break-in devices, including a kill switch, a tracking device, and a steering wheel club.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Police say two suspects, Adrian Anthony Longoria, 20, and Devani Laguna, 18, remain at large and are wanted for their roles in the car theft ring.
Rodriguez's bond is estimated at $1.5 million, according to officials.
Authorities urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS, offering an anonymous tip line with rewards of up to $5,000 leading to their capture.