PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kent County Sheriff’s Office says it’s working with cellphone stores and car dealerships to heighten security after two more dealerships were broken into Wednesday morning.
Staff at Summit Place Kia on Plainfield Avenue told News 8 they called authorities around 5 a.m. after they found their lobby door shattered. They said that the inside of the dealership was a mess.
It’s unclear if anything was stolen.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office says another dealership on 28th Street was also targeted.
The crimes come after the Infiniti of Grand Rapids, Berger Chevrolet and Toyota of Grand Rapids were broken into overnight Monday and at least six dealerships were targeted over the weekend in Plainfield Township, Grand Rapids and Kentwood. Deputies say the vehicle thefts also extend into Ottawa County.
Kent County authorities say they’ve recovered 10 stolen vehicles, including one in Muskegon. However, deputies say their may be more stolen vehicles out there since dealerships are still working through their inventory lists to figure out what was taken.
Kent County authorities say the suspects are teenagers and young men who are working in several groups. One group will break in and another group will show up to steal the vehicles.
Investigators say the stolen vehicles are being used to commit other crimes, including more cellphone store break-ins.
One suspect is in custody, deputies say.
Detectives are asking people to be vigilant for suspicious activity at any dealership or cellphone store. The suspects will be driving newer vehicles with a dealer plate or no plate.
If you know anything, contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at 616.632.6100 or Silent Observer 616.774.2345.