Police Bust Auto Theft Ring, Arrest 4

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police have busted up a citywide auto theft ring, following a four-month investigation that led to the arrest of four people.

Harrison Area detectives the police Intelligence Section led Operation Pay Back, the probe of a theft ring that operated throughout the city. The thieves stole newer-model and luxury vehicles, among others, and took them to a chop shop in the 4200 block of West Cermak Road, police said.

The thieves then stripped the vehicles, and sold parts and components for cash while selling the remains of the cars for their scrap value, police said.

The thieves made off with about five to 10 vehicles each week, police said.

Charged in the bust are Theo Poole, 33, and Tiresias Young, 32, both of the 300 block of South Loomis Street; Justin Abraham, 27, of the 1200 block of North Hamlin Avenue; and James Stafford, 45, of the 300 block of West 104th Street.

Poole, Young and Abraham are all charged with three counts each of possessing a stolen motor vehicle, while Stafford is charged with removing a vehicle identification.

All four men appeared for a bond hearing on Thursday.