Video of arrests for car theft in Tacoma released, police urge parents to be vigilant

TACOMA, Washington — The Tacoma Police Department (TPD) investigation into a car theft ring has so far yielded 45 stolen cars. The TPD recently released videos of several arrests, including one on August 5 and one on May 30.

On May 30, TPD announced that the leader of the group had been arrested, which led to four more arrests. In total, five vehicles were seized and four people were arrested. Two vehicles escaped officers during these patrols. Those arrested are facing charges including vehicle theft, possession of weapons, and more, according to TPD.

“The video we released shows the last two arrests of a car theft gang. Our investigators have been investigating them for months,” said Shelbie Boyd, spokeswoman for the Tacoma Police Department.

Boyd told KOMO News that the car thieves were between 16 and 18 years old and that they were known to have committed other crimes related to car thefts in the past six months.

I would ask parents, if you see things in your kids' lives, if you see them getting into friends' cars that you know don't have a license or a car, to investigate that more closely. The best investigators in the world are parents. We don't want 15- to 16-year-old kids stealing cars. That's dangerous,” Boyd said. “I would just say to parents out there that if they know their child is going off the rails, speak up. There are resources we can help with. We can figure that out before it gets to a situation where you get a call saying, 'juniors in jail.' Let's get ahead of it, not behind it.

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force (PSATTF) offers tips to protect vehicles from theft:

• Remove or hide all valuables
• Lock your car
• Do not leave keys or tags in the house
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running
• Use anti-theft devices (alarm system, emergency stop switch, steering wheel lock
• Park in well-lit areas

“Make sure the vehicles are locked and in well-lit areas. Make sure you have an anti-theft device and that you have an AirTag. That's the trend right now. People are putting AirTags in their vehicles that may not have the current technology. That's a way for you to help us get your car back,” Boyd said.

Boyd also advised not to leave wallets, keys or important items in the car and to report vehicle theft immediately.