Car thefts in the Milwaukee area have become a growing concern, with a recent trend targeting higher-end Dodges, Chryslers, and Jeeps equipped with Street Racing Technology (SRT). A heist involving the theft of multiple vehicles of this type was recently reported by Milwaukee police.
On March 1, 2024, investigations into this scheme began when officials observed a pattern of stolen cars. Among the stolen vehicles were a 2021 Dodge Charger, a 2020 Dodge Charger, a 2018 Dodge Charger, and a 2023 Dodge Charger, all taken on different dates.
Court documents revealed that the suspects involved in the heist would break a window of the stolen vehicles and tow them to unlicensed auto shops. These shops were used to either dismantle the vehicles for valuable parts or to repair them using fake VIN numbers and titles. Police utilized license plate reading cameras to track the stolen cars through the city, which led them to two specific shops located on W Burleigh St. and N 32nd St., respectively. Upon investigating these shops, police found multiple loaded guns and stolen plates.
One Milwaukee man, Ike Reed, 20, is currently in custody and is facing several counts of conspiracy to commit theft. Reed has admitted to being present during the thefts but has downplayed his involvement, claiming he was merely a tow truck driver and car mechanic. Three of the stolen cars have been recovered so far, and Reed is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in court on June 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Stellantis, the company that owns Jeep, Chrysler
