LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — The Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department is searching for a suspect, or suspects, accused of breaking into at least two car dealerships early Wednesday morning.
Morgan Automotive in Penn Township was one of the businesses hit.
“They broke into three cars, stole one, damaged another," said Douglas Morgan, who owns the dealership with his wife.
Morgan watched it all unfold overnight through his security cameras. He got an alert on his phone and immediately called police.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. It’s horrible," expressed Morgan. "We try to protect ourselves. We had blocker vehicles in [place] and they still got the cars.”
Officers responded to the dealership shortly after 1:35 a.m. on May 29. When police arrived, they found a white 2023 Chevrolet Camaro parked alongside the roadway.
Police say as the officer pulled over to investigate, a suspect, believed to be an adult man in a black sweatshirt and hood, was seen running from the business and entering the Camaro. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle/suspect, but the suspect allegedly fled from the scene in the Camaro.
Morgan says it was a $49,000 vehicle. The suspects also unsuccessfully tried to steal a Corvette, leaving behind another $10,000 or so worth of damage to the fence that separates the parking lot from the road.
“I’m speechless…who would think they could drive over through the fence? There are no boundaries with these people, simply no boundaries," said Morgan.
Police initiated a short car chase with the Camaro southbound on Lancaster Road (Route 72), but ultimately stopped out of concern for public safety.
Morgan says his dealership wasn't the only one hit overnight, and this is also not the first time he’s had a car stolen off his lot.
He spoke with FOX43 to share his experience and wants other dealers to be aware of what he says is an ongoing problem.
“We’ve had a total of four other cars stolen," he said. "The police have recovered two, I’m hopeful they recover this one.”
The incidents have added up to hundreds of thousands of dollars lost.
“I don’t know what to say. They’re very good at what they do," Morgan told FOX43. "They’re professionals. It’s a huge ring and a huge problem in south-central Pennsylvania."
He said there have been a few isolated thefts at his dealership over the years, but what happened in the last year is different.
"This is far more serious [and] has ramped up to a whole new level," he explained. "They're very specific with what they want and last night it seemed to be Camaros."
Warwick Autopark in Warwick Township also had a Camaro stolen in the overnight hours, though it's unknown if it was taken by the same thieves.
Morgan is now wondering how else he can improve security at his business.
“We’re pretty visible being on the main road," he continued. "That’s what you want as a car dealer, to be visible. We love great advertising and great reviews. This is not such a great moment. It’s a trying moment, that’s for sure.”
Police say they have evidence to suggest that the same suspect, or suspects, had also entered the Manheim Auto Auction property and surrounding businesses, presumably to steal cars.
The NLCRPD Criminal Investigations Division, Manheim Auto Auction partners and Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident. PSP and surrounding law enforcement agencies assisted the NLCRPD in their search for the suspect, authorities said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NLCRPD at 717-733-0965 or Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at 800-322-1913. Those with information may also submit a tip through CrimeWatch via the Submit a Tip feature. Tipsters may remain anonymous and do not have to give their names.
