Thieves steal 4 vehicles from Louisville's impound lot, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's tow lot is seeing more trouble. But this time it's not because of overcrowding or overbilling.

Louisville Metro Police said thieves cut a hole in the fence of the department's impound lot, and took off with the first cars they came across over the weekend — four in total.

Now, a brand new section of fencing stands like a sentinel along the west side of the lot.

Police haven't said which vehicles were stolen, or their make or model, but said they were right up against the fence of the lot before they were taken.

While LMPD declined to speak on-camera, the department released a statement confirming four vehicles had been stolen between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

"One of the stolen vehicles has already been recovered. The suspect(s) cut a hole in the fencing. Metro Facilities has repaired the damage and additional measures are being taken to hopefully prevent this incident from happening again. This is an open and active investigation," the statement continued.

The thieves did little to disguise the tracks they left behind, and their escape route is well-marked on the hillside. From tire tracks left behind in the mud, it seems the theft may have been slowed. But a few yards to the north, a single set of tire tracks showed an easier getaway route.

LMPD's tow lot has been in the news over the years as it faced issues with overcrowding. Last May, the lot was so crowded, LMPD waived all storage and towing fees just to make room for more cars.

The tow lot also faced a class action lawsuit, which eventually cost the city $1.5 million as part of a settlement for overcharging people who had their vehicles towed.

Cars used in crimes, crashed, or abandoned and forgotten all find their way to the lot. Every few years, LMPD holds an auction for the vehicles to make room for more.

Because traffic in and out of the tow lot is constant, the spaces once occupied by the stolen vehicles have already been filled.

LMPD has not released any additional information, so it's unclear at this time whether any arrests had been made or suspects had been identified.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department's anonymous Crime Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

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