Chrysler 300 targeted by thieves for navigation systems

Thieves have targeted Chrysler 300s in Farmington and Farmington Hills.

The Chrysler 300 is an innovative car with a slick in-dash navigation system. So nice that thieves are stealing them.  

One of the recent incidents happened at 5 a.m. Wednesday at an apartment complex on Farmington Rd at Nine Mile. Glass was broken on the rear side window, the doors are unlocked and the in-dash navigation system ripped out. 

"Two vehicles were broken into and the navigation systems taken," said Cmdr. Bob Houhanisin with Farmington Public Safety. "They went into the back window and were pretty quick."

Houshanisin says it happens fast and awareness is key.  At the Farmington Apartment a woman was on her balcony when she heard glass breaking at 5 a.m. 

Two men in dark clothing then walked under her balcony and ran off. 

"She said she saw two suspects run from the scene," Houshanisin said. "And didn't call us. We just remind people if they see something happening or if they are suspicious, to give us a call, call 911 right away."

Terri Miller executive director of Help Eliminate Auto Theft, says with at least 5 Chrysler 300s hit recently it tells her the systems may be out of stock with the original equipment manufacturer. As a result, they're being sought after by an unscrupulous auto shop who is paying to have someone bring them in. 

"That's what's great about HEAT, you can keep an eye out for your neighbors and maybe get a reward that could go up to $10,000," Miller said. 

The navigation systems built in are user friendly and you don't need to plug them in. 

Chrysler 300 owner Sue Sheppard lives in Redford and works in Farmington.

"I love it," Sheppard said. "It's like a Garmin in your car but easier."

 Now that she's heard of the thefts it's got her thinking.

"I've had a car stolen before," she said. "It makes you nervous."