New York investigators say they've busted a massive vehicle theft ring.
Dump trucks and other equipment were stolen from construction sites then shipped out of state, and sometimes out of the country.
Luxury cars like Hummers, Porches and Mercedes-Benz sedans also were stolen.
In total, authorities seized 17 vehicles, police said Wednesday. The equipment and cars were worth $2.5 million.
New York City police and the attorney general's office worked together because the ring spanned several states. On Wednesday, 12 people were arrested on charges including enterprise corruption, forgery and criminal possession of stolen property.
"Some people try to smuggle jewels out of the country. These individuals tried to sneak off with Caterpillars and Hummers" NYPD Commissioner Kelly explained.
In one instance, investigators say, thieves drove a Caterpillar off a construction site and along the New York State Thruway before parking in a garage used to store the stolen vehicles.
Investigators say some vehicles were shipped to the Dominican Republic.
