Authorities Crack Down On Auto Thieves

Warren (WWJ)  -- Four law enforcement agencies in Metro Detroit are joining forces this week to combat car theft. 
Sheriffs from Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties, and Warren's Police Commissioner, Thursday morning announced that Operation ICE (Inter-County Enforcement) caught 63 suspects and recovered 59 cars from Tuesday through Thursday.
Operation ICE was designed to capture thieves in the act of stealing a car, as well as suspects not yet in custody. Teams of officers also made unannounced visits to confirm that previously convicted car thieves are complying with the terms of their release.
"Through the efforts of law enforcement, and the citizens protecting their cars, and the insurance companies, we are making progress with auto theft in this country," Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.
Warren Evans, Sheriff of Wayne County, said that car thefts in the area are down approximately one-third.
However, authorities also report that car theft remains profitable for new and repeat offenders because law enforcement is working with reduced resources.
"We'll catch them, and they'll go to jail today and tomorrow, but many are going to be released on bond, and in Wayne County, at least, you're probably going to be on your fourth conviction for auto theft before you're going to do any prison time," Sheriff Evans said. 
Sheriff Evans said that law enforcement needs to become more creative in deterring auto theft, such as using GPS tether devices for convicted car thieves.

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