Car Thief Targets Used Car Dealerships in Independence, Prompting Community Alert

Car Thief Targeting Used Car Dealerships in Independence

Independence, Mo. – A crafty car thief has been on the loose in the Kansas City metro area, stealing vehicles from used car lots in a rather audacious manner. With several police departments now involved in the search, it seems this individual has figured out how to exploit the open and inviting nature of car dealerships.

The Story Begins

For anyone who’s ventured into the world of purchasing a vehicle, you know that checking out a car with a test drive is almost mandatory. However, that excitement to take a shiny new ride for a spin has unfortunately become an opportunity for theft. Recently, a local car dealer from Tee Sweeps Auto LLC on North Main Street had an experience that highlighted the danger.

John Rudolph, a new face in the auto sales business, had a seemingly normal transaction with a man who showed up eager to check out a silver 2015 BMW 328i. He came back a week later, this time without a car, to let Rudolph know he wanted to test drive the vehicle. Rudolph, wanting to be accommodating, handed over the keys after taking a quick photo of the man’s driver’s license.

Test Drive Turns to Theft

Though it’s common for test drives to take around 30 minutes, this one stretched on for hours. “I thought maybe he just wanted to have it checked out by a mechanic,” Rudolph said, still holding out hope. However, as more time passed, he started to feel uneasy. Unfortunately, his fears were confirmed when the man did not return at all.

It didn’t take long for other nearby dealerships to share similar stories. On Wednesday, another dealership, KC Amigos located on Bannister in Kansas City, encountered the same man. He used the same Florida driver’s license three times to take different cars on test drives. He finally settled on a 2019 Genesis G70 but once again never came back to return it.

The Impact of the Thefts

As word got around, it became clear to local dealers that they weren’t dealing with just an isolated incident but rather a pattern of theft. Rudolph even found his stolen BMW listed on Facebook Marketplace with images that looked just like his, originally priced at $7,500. Meanwhile, the Genesis G70 had a value of over $20,000. It’s evident that the man knows how to navigate through these dealerships comfortably, and dealers are now worried that he’s out there duping others.

Protecting Against Future Thefts

Given the string of thefts, dealerships are now considering implementing stricter measures for potential test drivers. One idea being floated is requiring proof of insurance before handing over vehicle keys. Another thought is to reconsider if the customer needs to leave a car behind when taking a test drive. “This guy has a way of making people feel at ease, and we have to be aware that he’s dangerous. We need to stop him before he gets to someone else,” Rudolph added with concern.

Community Call to Action

As the investigation continues, both Rudolph and the staff at KC Amigos are reaching out to other local dealers, spreading the word about this thief. They need the community’s help and are asking everyone to remain vigilant. If you see anything suspicious at your local dealership, it’s best to speak up. After all, it’s not just about preventing theft but ensuring peace of mind for everyone involved.

So if you’re out looking for a car, remember to keep an eye out, and who knows, you might just be able to help put an end to this theft spree!