HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Federal and local authorities raided several homes Tuesday morning in the Tomball area.
KHOU 11 News has learned they were targeting an alleged international car theft ring.
The KHOU cameras were rolling as Homeland Security Investigators served warrants at several homes in northwest Harris County.
According to authorities, those who were taken into custody were stealing high-end cars all over the Houston area, removing the VINs, and then selling them on the black market domestically and overseas.
A neighbor who lived next to where one of the raids took place said they didn't want to be identified but said they had noticed some unusual activity in the past. They said they saw a constant flow of people coming in and out of the home as well as a lot of different cars. They never imagined the scope of what's being alleged.
Investigators said six cars were recovered on Tuesday, four of which will be returned to their owners. The other two were seized by the feds. Stolen guns were also found, officials said.
As of now, authorities said, no charges have been filed.
There are some things you can do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of car theft.
"If you can put an alarm that helps a lot. Now with technology, we have some nice alarms that will send you an alert to your phone," Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Laura Magallanes said.
Sometimes the alarm that comes with your car isn't enough. Officials also say to not keep valuables in sight and park in well-lit areas.
"If they see the opportunity for a vehicle that has the nice luxury rims or the loud stereo, (it) catches their attention. They will try to steal it," Magallanes said.
This was a federal raid done by Homeland Security Investigators. Along with ATF, U.S. Marshalls Harris County Sheriff's Office & HPD.
Authorities said it's still an ongoing investigation.