Test-drive auto thieves nabbed by Calgary police after stealing $315K in cars and trucks

Calgary police have arrested four people who allegedly stole cars and trucks worth$315,000by arranging test drives and then driving off with the vehicles injuring one seller in the process.

Two men and two women, all in their 20s, now face more than 60 chargesbetween them.

Police allege the group repeatedly targeted people selling vehicles privately through online classified ads.

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In each instance, police said a meeting was arranged in a public place to ostensibly look over the vehicle for sale.

"The suspect then asked for a test drive and made up a reason for the victim to momentarily step out of the vehicle," police said in a release.

"Once the victim stepped out, the suspect drove the vehicle away."

Seller pinned under car

In the final incident on Sept. 4, police said a seller tried to stop the theft by climbing back into his moving vehicle as the suspect tried to drive away.

The vehicle hit a curb and rolled onto its side, pinning the victim underneath it.

He was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition and has since been released.

Two of the accused were arrested on Sept. 28 after police executed search warrants at two different homesone in Rundle andone in Auburn Bay.

The two others were arrested on Nov. 9 when a third search warrant was executed at another home in Auburn Bay.

Vehicles seized

Police seized a total of nine stolen vehicles with a combined value of over $315,000, including several pickup trucks, luxury SUVs, and one Bentley.

Investigators believe the accused were stealing the vehicles for personal use and the crimes are connected to multiple gas thefts across the city ataround the same time.

Police don't believe the thefts are connected to a larger organized crime ring.

The investigation continues and anyone with new information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.