A Bronx car theft ring has been busted after flashing cars and large amounts of cash on social media, per The New York Post.
The crime ring took in an estimated three million worth of stolen items. According to authorities, they were known for stealing from car dealerships, cell phones stores, and ATMs at a significant rate in NYC.
The criminal group pleaded guilty to over 200 crimes, including stealing at least 54 automobiles. On Friday, six members were sent to prison; Willie Baines, Josepher Cartagena, Brandon Collazo-Rivera, Justin Herrera, Douglas Noble, and Alexander Santiago. The crew often carelessly showboated wads of cash and stolen vehicles on Instagram.
Their tactics included grabbing cars from dealerships during nighttime hours. They would smash the windows of the vehicles and take off.
Authorities compared their police chases to scenes from Fast & Furious, saying the criminals would "taunt" police while waiting for them to respond to the burglary alarm just to lead them into a high-speed chase.
"The six individuals convicted and sentenced went on a crime spree that impacted businesses and residents throughout downstate New York," Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.
"These burglars left a trail of broken glass, smashed businesses, and dangerous high-speed chases in their wake. I thank my partners in local law enforcement for their coordination and support as we took down this dangerous crew. Our communities are safer now that these six individuals have been brought to justice."
