Today’s car thief works with laptops, digital imaging, and high tech equipment that can circumvent most tracking devices. Car thieves will take a specialty order from a guy in Eastern Europe, steal the car, and even give tips on how to dress while driving it. Specialty orders can include selection of color, interior, rims, sunroof, etc. If they get caught, the penalties charged are much milder in comparison to other offenses like those for dealing narcotics.

According to Agent Horsley, “Car theft has become the profession of choice for those former narcotic traffickers who have made it to their late 30s or 40s and who have the financial backing. These guys are good. They are so good they can get a luxury sport utility vehicle to you faster than the factory.”