FWPD: Extensive vehicle theft ring busted after months of investigation

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Police raided a motorcycle theft ring on Friday.

Fort Wayne Police Public Information Officer Raquel Foster said Friday's raid was a result of several months of investigation by the FWPD Neighborhood Response Team. The ATF, the Emergency Services Team, the Gang Unit and the Auto Theft Division were all involved in the raids.

Officers from the Fort Wayne Police Department were on the scene near the 2000 block of Emerson Avenue, where two houses were targeted at around 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Police were also on the scene on Hillegas Road just north of West State Boulevard. 

Officer Foster said this was a source of income for most of these thieves. She said though this was a big raid, this is only half of the investigation.

"They're checking VIN, they're cross-referencing them, you got motorcycles that have been taken apart, pieces here, pieces there, license plates that have been swapped," she said.

Officials on the scene said they have been raiding homes since Friday morning. Police were collecting motorcycles, motorcycles and vehicle parts onto flatbed trucks.

The FWPD said six houses and one business were raided in the FWPD’s investigation. Officials said several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no arrests have been made.

Police ask anyone who recognizes a motorcycle from any of NewChannel 15's video or pictures to please contact the Fort Wayne Police Department at (260) 427-1222.

Officer Foster said one of the charges the thieves could face is corrupt business influence, which is a Class C felony punishable up to eight years in prison and a $10,000 fine.