Louisville police warn of surge in stolen Dodge vehicles

WDRB, the Louisville FOX affiliate, said LMPD data from June shows there were around 45 reports of vehicle thefts and break-ins. In July, the number of reports jumped to around 90.

According to experts, suspects are taking photos of VIN numbers on vehicles late at night. They then create digital keys for that specific vehicle before returning and stealing it.

Dealerships are reportedly becoming a target, too.

“They’re using some type of device to scan the VIN number and create a digital key, especially since a lot of the vehicles now are push start or remote starts,” Marquis Williams at Commonwealth Dodge told WDRB.

To combat this, the dealership said it has disabled certain fuses to eliminate access to the car, in the hope that these thieves will find something better to do.

“To these criminals, my message is, get creative in finding a job,” Williams said. “If you can get creative to steal a vehicle, there are options for you other than stealing the vehicle.”

Tips and information on the thefts can be reported to the department’s anonymous tip line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) or online.