Oh dear, not again. Last week, thieves broke into a Stellantis storage facility in Detroit and drove off with a number of newly built trucks and SUVs in a brazen early morning theft that underscores the ongoing vulnerability of off-site vehicle lots tied to major assembly plants. The incident happened around 3 a.m. Wednesday. February 11, at a temporary holding yard near the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson plant, where finished vehicles are staged before being shipped to dealers, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
Detroit police said suspects forced their way onto the property and fled by driving multiple vehicles through a perimeter fence, leaving a large opening behind. The stolen units reportedly included Ram pickup trucks, Jeep SUVs and Dodge Durango models. Authorities did not immediately confirm the exact number taken, but early estimates suggested about a dozen vehicles were involved.
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One of the stolen vehicles was later recovered after it became stuck near the scene as the thieves attempted to escape. Police continue to investigate and have not released information about possible suspects.
The storage yard is operated by a third-party logistics company and sits near Mack Avenue and Conner Street on Detroit’s east side. Such facilities are commonly used by automakers to temporarily hold vehicles awaiting shipment, but they typically do not have the same level of security as assembly plants. Stellantis confirmed it is cooperating with the Detroit Police Department but declined to provide further details while the investigation remains active, according to MotorBiscuit.
Residents in the surrounding area told local media outlets that crime has been an ongoing concern and that the break-in highlights the need for tighter security at large industrial sites. The speed of the incident and the apparent ease with which the suspects entered and exited the property raised questions about how exposed some storage yards may be, especially those holding dozens or even hundreds of high-value vehicles.
This particular lot has reportedly been targeted in the past, and security experts say off-site vehicle storage areas can be attractive targets because of their size and the volume of inventory. Finished vehicles are often parked in large open areas waiting for transport, which can make it difficult to monitor every corner of the property at all times.
The financial impact of the theft was not immediately disclosed, but the potential loss could be substantial given the high retail value of full-size pickups and SUVs. Beyond the direct cost of the stolen vehicles, incidents like this can disrupt logistics operations and delay deliveries to dealerships and customers.
Law enforcement officials have not said whether the crime was tied to an organized auto theft ring, but such operations are often carefully coordinated. Stolen vehicles are sometimes quickly moved to chop shops, re-VINed, or transported out of state before authorities can track them down.
Investigators are continuing to review evidence and any available surveillance footage from the area as they work to identify those responsible. It is unclear whether Stellantis plans to increase security at the location following the break-in, but the theft serves as another reminder that the supply chain between the assembly line and dealership lot can present opportunities for criminals.
While automakers heavily secure their manufacturing plants, the temporary staging areas used to store finished inventory can be harder to protect, especially when they span large areas and house hundreds of vehicles at a time. For thieves, that combination of access and value can make these lots an appealing target.
Just a thought: MAYBE don’t leave the keys in them.
