A 1957 Chevy Bel-Air owned by TV host Dr. Phil McGraw was among the stolen classic cars recovered in Burbank as part of an auto theft ring that targeted classic vehicles.
McGraw's Bel-Air was stolen in August from a Burbank automotive shop on North San Fernando Road. The classic was one of 14 vintage vehicles recovered in an operation by the Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP).
The investigation began after classic vehicle thefts and vehicle repair shop burglaries in Los Angeles County, according to the sheriff's department.
McGraw's Chevy, recovered Tuesday morning, had minor body damage.
The Vehicle Identification Numbers on the 14 recovered vehicles were switched in an attempt to prevent them from being identified as stolen, according to the sheriff's department. Five more classics were in the process of being identified.
"Numerous" arrests were made in connection with the auto theft ring, investigators said. Covert operations at businesses throughout the county led to the recovery of the vehicles, investigators said.
TRAP was established in 1993. The task force includes investigative teams from various agencies in LA County.
