Thieves Target 'Homes On Wheels'
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Some thieves in West Michigan appear to be targeting homes on wheels.
Three 40-foot motorhomes have been stolen in the past month and a half, and police are seeking two men as part of an organized theft ring they believe is operating in West Michigan, MLive.com reported.
"They're all remarkably similar in size, color and shape," Grand Rapids Police Sgt. Stanley Lis said. "We're talking about almost a half-million dollars' worth of motor homes stolen."
The vehicles were stolen overnight in Holland and Kentwood. Thieves hot-wired and drove them from dealership lots.
"It's a huge financial loss for any of our dealerships, especially this early in the season," Lis said. "Somebody should have seen these driving away or know something."
The first motorhome was taken March 28 in Holland, and the other two were stolen Tuesday from Kentwood.
"These are not a joyride," Lis said. He said it's also unlikely the motorhomes were stolen for their parts.
Members of the theft ring may be from outside West Michigan and seem to be targeting a certain type of vehicle, he added.
"We haven't had one stolen in the last 15 to 20 years," police spokesman Ralph Mason. "Now, three within a month."
Police released photos of the suspects, captured on surveillance cameras at a store just before the theft in Holland, in hopes that someone might be able to identify the men.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Silent Observer at 774-2345 or Grand Rapids Police at 456-3600.
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