The owner of an Orange County auto shop is hoping police can help track down a slew of vehicles that were stolen within three days, officials said Tuesday.
The thieves stole 10 vehicles from Tunex Auto Services in the 10400 block of Magnolia Avenue in Stanton between Saturday evening and Monday morning, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies believe the culprits cut the lock on an exterior security gate before they stole a mix of sedans, SUVs and trucks of models ranging from 2006 to 2014.
One shop employee saw two men, one of whom wore a black cap, white tank top and brown shorts, sitting in one of the stolen cars, a red 2013 Hyundai Genesis, deputies said.
The two men were parked in an alleyway several blocks from the business, officials said.
The license plate number 6WZT113 was covered by a paper plate that read "OC Auto Exchange" in black and gold lettering, officials said.
By the time deputies arrived, the car was gone.
Deputies found three of the cars a short distance from the auto shop on Monday, along with two others, leaving five still missing.
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The shop owners said they have been cooperating with authorities.
The California Department of Insurance told NBC4 whoever had care, custody and control of the vehicle is considered responsible.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.
If your car is stolen while at an auto repair shop, call the California Department of Insurance hotline at 800-927-4357.
NBC4's Lolita Lopez contributed to this report.
