Great Lakes Wire

LANSING – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel describes as a significant step toward curbing auto thefts across the state. House Bill 5182, sponsored by state Representative Denise Mentzer, and House Bill 5183, sponsored by state Representative Alabas Farhat, impose stricter penalties for possessing traditional burglar tools or electronic devices intended to break into motor vehicles with the intent to steal. The new law classifies this offense as a 5-year felony or a 10-year felony if part of a criminal enterprise.

“I commend Governor Whitmer and Representatives Mentzer and Farhat for their dedication to addressing auto thefts and protecting Michigan residents and businesses,” said Nessel. “By cracking down on the possession and illegal use of tools like pro pads, these bills represent a step toward enhancing our ability to prosecute and dismantle criminal organizations involved in these crimes. My department will aggressively enforce this new law in ongoing and future cases to ensure those who engage in this criminal activity are held accountable.”

In May, the Attorney General announced the arrest and charges of six individuals by the FORCE team, followed by two more arrests, for their alleged involvement in a criminal organization responsible for stealing over 400 vehicles worth approximately $8 million in Southeast Michigan. The criminal ring allegedly targeted new vehicle storage lots at manufacturing facilities, car dealerships, parking lots, and individual residences using pro pads—tablets that can unscramble key fobs—and other burglary tools.

This investigation into the alleged criminal organization remains ongoing, and the Department is working to establish cases against other members of the auto theft ring and buyers of the stolen vehicles.