Authorities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey say they have shut down a one-man auto theft ring that utilized a tow truck as its primary tool.
Muhammad Khursheed, 33, of Upper Darby, is in the center of it all. He is now facing allegations in two states.
Investigators say Khursheed used a tow truck to lift unsuspecting cars off the street
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The tow truck driver most likely chose vehicles parked legally but in susceptible locations and transported them straight to junkyards.
Police in Trenton, New Jersey, became involved when multiple cars vanished in quick succession. When they followed a lead to a junkyard in Wrightstown, they discovered six stolen vehicles. All were subsequently returned to their original owners, 6abc said.
But the story did not end at the state boundary; Philadelphia police were already investigating a similar case.
PA police discovered 14 more stolen cars parked at a different junkyard
The pattern, approach, and suspect all remain consistent.
The total theft amounted to 20 automobiles. enough to suggest this wasn’t a crime of opportunity but a full-fledged tow truck scam.
According to police, Khursheed’s strategy was simple yet devious. He might pass himself off as a legitimate tow truck operator by utilizing a real one. It made the thefts seem ordinary to anyone looking from the street or their living room window.
Investigators have not stated how long they believe the operation was active or how much money was paid in junkyard rewards. However, depending on the worth of the stolen automobiles and parts, this may soon pile up.
Authorities continue to investigate the case and may file further charges. Meanwhile, both states are advising automobile owners to remain vigilant, even if their vehicle appears to be safe where it is parked.