Two Thieves Take 25 Dodge Durangos from Dealerships Throughout Michigan | Carscoops

      The two men are accused of using a key programming device to steal over a dozen Dodge Durango SUVs.

      Authorities report that the suspects targeted Dodge dealerships in three Michigan counties. Both individuals are facing felony charges related to the thefts, which could result in sentences of up to 30 years.

      From 2019 to 2023, car thefts in Michigan increased by 56%, prompting the implementation of new preventive measures.

      While car theft rings are not a recent phenomenon, the latest operation uncovered in Detroit has escalated the issue. Police have arrested two men associated with a scheme that affected Macomb, Oakland, and Genesee counties. The suspects, David Franklin and Barron Hatcher Jr., reportedly exhibited a strong preference for the Dodge Durango, allegedly stealing at least 25 vehicles.

      The investigation into the thefts began in November 2024, with authorities suspecting Franklin and Hatcher Jr. of hitting Dodge dealerships and stealing multiple Durangos simultaneously using a key programming device known as the AutoProPad. Hatcher Jr., 24, was arrested on January 30 in Farmington Hills, while 41-year-old Franklin was detained in Houston, Texas, and subsequently extradited to Michigan.

      Both men face charges of possessing burglary tools and engaging in a criminal enterprise, two felonies that could result in a combined maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Hatcher Jr.'s bail is set at $500,000, whereas Franklin's is $1 million. If either is able to post bail, they must wear a GPS tether to monitor their whereabouts.

      According to the Detroit News, the thefts are believed to have occurred between June and November of the previous year, with several of the stolen Dodge SUVs having been recovered.

      Michigan is facing a significant increase in vehicle thefts. Between 2019 and 2023, the rate of car thefts rose by 56%, leading the state's Attorney General’s Office to expand an auto insurance fraud task force to also address stolen vehicles. Authorities are hopeful that this initiative will help alleviate the escalating problem.