Howard County police’s targeted investigations over the summer into the county’s most prolific vehicle theft suspects led to 13 arrests and contributed to a 41 percent decrease in thefts of the most commonly stolen vehicle makes.
From May 1-July 31, there were 130 reported thefts of Hyundais, Kias, Hondas, Acuras, Chevrolet, and Dodge brands – overwhelmingly the most stolen makes in Howard County. From Aug. 1-Oct. 31, there were 77 reported thefts of those same vehicles.
In all, auto theft detectives believe the suspects were responsible for at least 35 vehicle thefts from the spring into July, when most of them were arrested. Detectives continue to review evidence to connect them to additional cases in Howard County and believe they were responsible for various crimes in neighboring jurisdictions as well.
During the investigation, HCPD detectives recovered seven key reprogramming devices, which were used to generate keys and clone transponders to steal vehicles in a matter of minutes. Detectives also recovered three handguns.
The following suspects were arrested on various vehicle theft charges:
- David Hernandez-Hernandez, 18, of Baltimore
- Nicholas Hernandez, 18, of Elkridge
- Juvenile male, 17, of Columbia
- Juvenile male, 17, of Columbia
- Juvenile male, 17, of Elkridge
- Juvenile male, 17, of Elkridge
- Juvenile male, 16, of Columbia
- Juvenile male, 16, Elkridge
- Juvenile male, 16, of Laurel
- Juvenile male, 16, of Odenton
- Juvenile male, 16, of Odenton
- Juvenile male, 15, of Brooklyn
- Juvenile male, 15, of Laurel
These suspects often operated in small groups. One group mostly targeted Hondas and Acuras along Washington Boulevard (Route 1). Another group mostly targeted higher-end Chevrolet and Dodge models. The stolen vehicles were used for a variety of purposes: to commit other crimes, to sell, to strip for parts, or to simply joyride.
VIN etching and steering wheel lock giveaway
HCPD is offering a FREE vehicle identification number (VIN) etching auto theft prevention event on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at its Southern District Station, located at 11226 Scaggsville Road in Laurel. The event is open to all and takes just minutes. No appointment needed.
Engraving your car's unique VIN on all major pieces of glass is a vehicle theft deterrent and assists police in returning a stolen vehicle to its rightful owner.
At the event, HCPD also will be distributing a limited number of free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners. Steering wheel locks are the most effective vehicle theft deterrent; vehicles equipped with properly secured wheel locks rarely are stolen.
For questions and/or more information about VIN etching or this event, contact HCPD's auto theft unit at 410-313-1035.
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