Crime ring targeting dealerships and stealing expensive cars

STAFFORD (KTRK) -- They work fast and furious, getting away with high end cars in minutes.

"This is something a lot more than just your typical i'm going to go it's steal. This is more of a hit," says Operations Manager Ed Williams.

The latest high dollar heist was at Texas Auto Direct off the Southwest Freeway in Stafford and their plot was something straight out of a movie. Police say Friday night the thieves baited officers and got in a high speed chase.

"HPD followed them all away up to Bellaire until they lost them," said Williams.

The plan worked because meanwhile the rest of the gang was at the dealership.

"They rammed the truck through the gate and started taking the cars," added Williams.

The dealership has overnight security and other security measures.

"All of our cars are secured with these lock-boxes," explained Williams.

But that didn't stop the thieves. They smashed the windows and then somehow managed to get the keys out of the boxes. They drove off with several cars including a brand new red BMW and a souped-up truck.

"We're still searching. We've accounted for all except the last 30. We've got about 3,000 cars on our lot," said Williams.

Williams believes the thieves steal the cars to sell the parts. Now the dealership has installed concrete beams where the gate once stood.

There's a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest. Call Stafford Police if you have any information.