Semi Trucks

They scoured the city’s side streets, often scooping up cars that appeared to be disabled and less likely to be missed — at least not right away.

That would give the 13 tow truck drivers and their accomplices, now sitting in Cook County jail on car theft charges, enough time to pull out the catalytic converters, batteries, wheels and any other items that, sold individually, could bring in decent cash, Chicago Police allege.

Then, with the vehicle nearly stripped, the thieves would puncture a hole in the gas tank and let it drain out as the vehicle was ferried to a scrapyard for the big sale, authorities say.