SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio business owner rang in the new year in a panic. On New Year's Eve, thieves stole six cars from his mechanic's shop in the 1300 block of Basse Road.
The whole thing was caught on camera. Now Isreal Luna hopes someone will recognize the criminals and call police.
When Luna left his shop, Israel's Automotive Repair, on the last day of 2016 the back lot was full. However, when he returned the next day the lot was almost empty.
"There was no cars," Luna said.
He said two thieves stole six of his clients' vehicles that he was ready to finish work on in the coming week.
"They took BMWs, one pickup, one Suburban and two other SUVs," Luna said.
To get inside the lot, the criminals cut through a side fence and then broke into the back of the shop. Even more surprising to Luna, they then cut through the strong metal holding the lock so they could open the gate to get the cars out. Since then, he has replaced that piece of metal.
When he saw the damage and missing cars, Luna immediately went to the surveillance video and watched in shock as two men pull off a five-hour crime.
He pointed out the truck the alleged thieves pulled up in.
"A black pickup Silverado with step sides with nice rims, chrome rims," he said.
Then as fireworks went off in the background, they pulled vehicles through the gate one by one. They even took the time to jump start three of them. Eventually they drove the cars off in different directions. Before leaving, they also stole some of Luna's tools.
"I called the police, tried to make the police report and called the customers and tell them what happened," Luna said.
He feels thankful for patient customers who are just as hopeful that someone will recognize the crooks in the video and call police.
While San Antonio police continue to investigate, Luna plans to put up a new side fence that is stronger. He said it will be for even better customer protection.
Anyone who recognizes the men in the video or knows something about the crime is asked to call the SAPD non-emergency number at (210) 207-7273.