Police smash million dollar car theft ring

3.00pm

Wellington police have smashed a million dollar crime network responsible for stealing more than 120 high-performance cars.

Police have arrested 11 people over the past five weeks and charged them with a range of car theft offences, Wellington area controller Inspector Marty Grenfell said today.

In that time, police have recovered more than $200,000 worth of cars.

"Indications are that several networks are operating with links to gangs and the street racer scene," Mr Grenfell.

He said skilled teams steal the cars and drive them to sites around the region for modification.

- NZPA