WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -

As if dealerships didn’t have enough to concern them nowadays because of the coronavirus pandemic, reports out of one of North Carolina’s largest cities indicated 11 dealers and a rental car facility have seen nearly 50 vehicles stolen in the past month; inventory worth more than $1 million.

The incidents reinforced the more than dozen security suggestions AutoRaptor made to help dealerships protect one of their most valuable assets.

According to a Facebook post from Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, those 11 dealerships and rental location have sustained 18 break-ins since March 17.

The post indicated 46 vehicles were reported as stolen in Winston-Salem. Those vehicles were reportedly valued at approximately $1,138,718.00.

All but six of those vehicles have been recovered, according to Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

The Winston-Salem dealerships and rental location targeted in this crime spree include:

— Flow Honda
— Flow Lexus
— Parkway Ford
— Flow Audi
— Modern Infiniti
— Bob King Kia
— Modern Toyota
— Volvo Cars Winston-Salem
— Parkway Ford
— Flow Subaru
— Flow Chevrolet
— Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County said detectives have identified 19 juveniles known to be involved in these thefts with some of suspects being as young as 9.

“Detectives are continuing their efforts to investigate these crimes and to prevent future thefts. Authorities are working with local dealerships to better secure their facilities and to initiate steps to prevent thieves from obtaining vehicles keys,” Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County said.

Along with securing keys AutoRaptor — which recently selected by the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association NIADA as a bronze-level national corporate partner — offered 15 different security recommendations stores could implement. The suggestions ranged from improving lightning and cameras to periodically changing locks to even hiring security guards.

“If you’re worried about the possibility of a dealership security breach, then it’s time to think about making improvements before it’s too late,” AutoRaptor wrote in a blog post that contained all of the security recommendations. “What if the stolen car belonged to a customer in for a service appointment? Or if there was already an agreement on a unit, and it was stolen the night before it was supposed to be delivered? It’s critical to put safeguards in place to avoid situations that can ruin your dealership’s reputation.”

Meanwhile, authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the investigation in North Carolina to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department at (336) 773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800.