About a month ago, a brand new GMC Yukon was stolen from the Reno Buick GMC Cadillac lot in Reno. Another Yukon was stolen about a week later. Another dealership, who wants to remain nameless, confirmed one car stolen from their lot a few weeks ago. And CarMax tells us a suspect was arrested in their lot a couple weeks ago trying to steal a car.
A representative from CarMax says they appreciate the "partnership and response" from local law enforcement, and declined to comment further because an investigation is on-going.
We spoke with General Manager of Reno Buick GMC Cadillac Garrett Green about what they've done since the thefts.
"We've taken extra precautions, hired a security company," Green says. "We didn't have private security [at the time of the thefts], no, but we had cameras. Cameras are kind of useless. They tell you what happened but it doesn't prevent anything from happening."
He says they're preparing their staff for potential thieves as well.
"We've had conversations with our employees so during the day they're more aware," Green says. "We actually had a vehicle stolen during the middle of the day."
Since the thefts, they learned what happened to the two Yukons. Oakland Police and Modesto Police both reported to the dealership that the cars had been stripped, and discovered in their respective jurisdictions.
Green says based on the video, the disposal of parts, and the tactics used to steal the vehicle, the suspects are quite sophisticated.
"The problem is they're disabling the GPS, the On-Star [app] instantly," Green says. "And by the time we get here it's done."
Green says they haven't been hit in a few weeks but plan to keep their security detail.
We reached out to Reno Police who called us back and said the sergeant working the case was not available for interview today.
