The Ford Bronco Raptor is a hot commodity, but some are a little hotter than others. That’s certainly the case with sixteen that were stolen in Metro Detroit and valued at $1,760,000 (£1,381,723 / €1,619,217).
According to the Canton Public Safety Department, officers began investigating in October of 2022 after multiple Raptors were stolen from a Ford factory lot in the township. As the investigation unfolded, authorities discovered related Bronco thefts in Dearborn and Woodhaven.
Ten of the stolen Broncos were recovered and a number of them stayed local as they were discovered in Detroit, Flint, Northville, and Grand Rapids. However, some left the state as they were found as far away as Alaska, Arizona, and Texas.
It’s not immediately clear how the theft ring was busted, but the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Canton, Northville Township, Novi, Farmington Hills, and West Bloomfield police departments jumped into action on August 15 and arrested seven people. Authorities said they recovered five additional stolen vehicles – which were not Broncos – as well as an “AR pistol” and $28,426 (£22,313 / €26,144), which is “suspected cash proceeds from the sale of stolen vehicles.”
The suspects are surprisingly young as they all range in age from 19 to 21 years old. They’re facing a long list of charges including receiving and concealing stolen property as well as conducting a criminal enterprise.
