Major Trailer Theft Ring Busted at Port of Los Angeles
Trailer theft is a common occurrence in America, with homeowners and contractors constantly vigilant to protect their belongings. However, a recent discovery by the Port of Los Angeles Police Department uncovered a much larger and more organized trailer theft scheme. The department revealed a ring of local thieves who were stealing dozens of chassis from container terminals, repainting them, and reselling them as new, resulting in millions of dollars in illicit profits.
A collaborative effort between the LAPD and the LA Port Police led to the revelation of a large-scale trailer theft ring that had been operating within the Port of Los Angeles for an extended period. The criminals accessed container terminals on port grounds, stole empty chassis awaiting use, and transported them to a storage yard in Gardena. There, they meticulously removed all identifying marks, repainted the chassis, replaced VIN numbers and markings, and sold them to unsuspecting buyers as brand new.
During a raid on the 14500 block of South Avalon Boulevard in Gardena, authorities discovered 24 stolen chassis with an estimated value of $600,000. Given the magnitude of the operation and the value of each chassis, it is believed that the theft ring generated millions of dollars in revenue.
Denis Fuentes, a 25-year-old resident of Gardena, was apprehended at the storage lot and is facing potential charges of receiving stolen property. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests anticipated as the port police continue to gather information and seek tips from the public.
Speaking on the arrest, LA Port Police spokesperson Lt. Rosario Ferrara emphasized the significance of halting such criminal activities at the nation’s busiest port. “The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest port in the United States, so disrupting this theft operation was crucial for all stakeholders involved,” said Lt. Ferrara. “Our investigation into these activities is ongoing, and we hope this arrest serves as a warning to other criminals targeting the Port complex.”