Thieves in New York decided to go big instead of home. They have been cloning key fobs to steal $2.4 million worth of vehicles from dealerships in multiple states. The most recent attack involves luxury GMC Sierra trucks. 

New York thieves clone key fobs to steal $2.4 million worth of vehicles 

Police officers in multiple states have been searching for thieves involved in a large-scale organized motor vehicle theft operation. The New York criminals have stolen 20 vehicles worth $2.4 million from dealerships. 

They were at large for over a year in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A man and woman would pick a dealership and then pretend to be interested customers. They ask to see and start high-end cars, trucks, and SUVs. 

Then the woman uses a handheld device that plugs into a vehicle to clone the key fob in under a minute. Next, they return after hours to unlock the vehicle, start it, and drive away. 

According to Auto News, police officers in Old Saybrook identified a pattern and were contacted by eight departments about identical thefts. 

Recently, there was a break in the case. Two GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali Ultimate trucks went missing from Vachon Buick-GMC in Old Saybrook. A suspect identified as 37-year-old Tiffine Kyte visited the location a day before they went missing. 

She faces charges for larceny and conspiracy in connection with thefts at dealerships across Connecticut. Evidence collected by detectives in that theft helped lead to arrests related to stolen vehicles in New York and New Jersey. 

Old Saybrook Police Chief William Onofiro shares, “Organized theft rings rely on opportunity and anonymity. As business, residents, and police share information and remain vigilant, opportunities are significantly reduced.”