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Car dealership posts reward after Benz stolen
That’s where a car dealer says three thieves tricked a worker into handing over the keys to a Mercedes-Benz. They’re offering a big reward to figure out who these guys are.
MARIETTA, Ga. - A Marietta car dealership is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of three men who they say made off with a Mercedes-Benz from their lot over the weekend.
Surveillance video provided to FOX 5 captured three men entering Dapelli Autos on Cobb Parkway on Saturday afternoon.
General Manager Lino Dapelli said the suspects walked into the dealership while he was out of the office and the sales manager was out.
He said one of the men tricked the receptionist into handing over the keys.
"The sales manager was out on a test drive," Dapelli said. "They talk to the front desk receptionist, asking if they can look at a Mercedes, a white CLS, we had here in the lot.
The suspects did not request a test drive, which would have required identification.
Instead, they seemed to examine the car from the outside while waiting for the sales manager to return, he said.
Moments later, one of the men returned to the receptionist with a specific request.
"He came and said, 'Can I get the key real quick? I need to pop the trunk,'" Dapelli said.
In good faith, the receptionist handed over the keys. Then things took a turn.
"As soon as he walked out, you know, the other two guys got in the car. They got in the driver's seat, and they still standing that way," Dapelli said.
The suspects drove off with the Mercedes, valued at $18,000, heading north on Cobb Parkway, he said.
The dealership has strict policies against handing over keys without proper procedures, and Dapelli acknowledged that the receptionist’s actions violated those rules.
But he said the suspect was manipulative—and appeared to be experienced.
"I noticed that this guy was a smart talker. So, it’s clearly not something just on the first time," Dapelli said.
The theft has prompted Dapelli to take action, offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who can help Marietta police identify and arrest the suspects.
The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Rob DiRienzo.