A PAIR cops have been watching for months have been arrested on suspicion of stealing vehicles in Texas and driving them to Mexico.

They are thought to have been involved in stealing more than 100 vehicles, and having done so simply by using a laptop.

Last Friday Michael Arce and Jesse Zelaya were arrested and then charged after being accused of stealing vehicles and then taking them over the US Mexico border.

According to investigators think the pair hook up a laptop to a car, with pirated software, turn it on and drive away.

In many cases the vehicles are left unlocked so there is no need to break in.

Police say they tracked down this pair after someone had their Jeep stolen in April and had footage of the crime taking place.

Arce, 24, is charged with felony in possession of a weapon, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and unauthorised use of a motor vehicle.

Zelaya, 22, is charged with unauthorised use of a motor vehicle.

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HPD Officer Jim Woods said, "No matter what you do, you have to realise, somebody has the ability and the knowledge to steal your car.

"They're going to be able to take it. There's not a whole lot you can do about it."

Homeland Security launched their own investigation, and discovered since November 2015, more than 100 stolen Chrysler SUVs were stolen in this way, and driven across the border.

So police believe it is entirely possible this pair could be linked to a larger operation.

Using a laptop to steal a car is essentially the modern-day equivalent of hot-wiring.

The Fiat Chrysler company issued this official statement to Kalamzoo News: "FCA US takes the safety and security of its customers seriously and incorporates security features in its vehicles that help to reduce the risk of unauthorised and unlawful access to vehicle systems and wireless communications.

"To date, FCA has NOT been able to identify any employees who may be selling their database access to criminals."

A police spokesman said: "On July 30, officers from the HPD Central Patrol Division Tactical Unit, North Patrol Division Tactical Unit, Gang Division, and the Auto Theft Division conducted an operation that resulted in the arrests of Arce and Zelaya.

"Officers also recovered electronic devices, keys and other tools believed to have been utilised in the thefts.  Narcotics, firearms and body armour were also recovered.

"The investigation is continuing with more arrests and charges possible."

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