More and more people are taking matters into their own hands after their vehicles are stolen. Instead of waiting on the police, they go out on the prowl. One Ohio man tracked his stolen SUV down after the thieves posted joyride videos online. 

Ohio man tracks stolen SUV from joyride videos online 

Residents in Grove City, Ohio, have had enough. They have been dealing with a string of vehicle thefts and break-ins, and feel as if police officers aren’t doing enough to recover vehicles or prevent them from being targeted. 

One homeowner named Alan Dodson was aware of the thefts in his neighborhood, but never expected to find his GMC Denali missing. His SUV was taken during the Fourth of July weekend, when police officers were busy ensuring public safety during celebrations. 

The suspects stole the keys and left his wife’s purse on their porch. Gove City police officers believed the theft was related to surveillance video from the day before. It shows armed suspects taking a car in the same neighborhood. 

According to 10TV, Dodson initiated his search on social media, using video captured from his doorbell camera. Then he found joyride videos that the suspects posted. He knew that they were in his GMC Denali because of its distinct steering wheel cover. 

The next day, Dodson found the stolen SUV abandoned near locations spotted in the videos. It was filled with stolen wallets, packages, gun parts, and drug paraphernalia. No arrests have been made. 

Police officers urge residents to file reports with as much information as possible if their vehicle is taken or tampered with. This provides a better chance of identifying suspects and making arrests.