FISHERS, Ind. -- An Indianapolis man is facing charges connected to a string of vehicle thefts in Hamilton County.
The Fishers Police Department arrested 22-year-old Montez Beech on Thursday after receiving a tip from the Noblesville Police Department about reports of several stolen vehicles earlier this week in Noblesville. According to Fishers Police, Beech is connected to more than five auto theft cases in Hamilton County.
The 22-year-old also has an active warrant out of Marion County for auto theft and theft. Following Thursday's arrest, Beech is now facing charges of unlawful carrying of a handgun with a felony conviction, theft: possession of stolen property, auto theft and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle.
Investigators identified a blacked-out Hyundai sedan as a suspect vehicle connected to the recent thefts. Fishers Police used Flock camera technology and surveillance efforts to locate the car near 126th Street and Reynolds Drive. Not only had the car been stolen, but police also said the plates had been stolen from a different vehicle.
"If you notice your license plate is missing and you’re not sure if it’s lost or stolen, please do report that to the police," said Maj. Mike Janes with the Fishers Police Department. "What that benefit is, if that license plate comes up on a different vehicle and is identified, then police can stop that vehicle and determine if your license plate is now on a different vehicle that’s being used for nefarious purposes."
Fishers Police said there have been a few thefts from local dealerships lately, including KIA. Janes said it is important KIA owners get the recent software patch aimed at reducing the risk of theft.
He also suggests car owners keep their vehicles locked, parked inside and never leave keys or fobs inside. Janes even recommends using an AirTag.
"You can place those in your own vehicle that way if the vehicle is stolen, there’s a good chance you will have the ability to track it and you can notify the police of where it is potentially at," he said.
Fishers Police said anyone with any information is still encouraged to call police or Crimestoppers at 317-262-TIPS.