Well, I sympathize with the victims, but I also understand that if these vehicles have been stolen, they must be retained as evidence in order to prosecute the guilty parties, else, the courts would throw out the case for lack of evidence. It’s a shame. Don’t blame the officers. Blame our judicial system.
The seizures are being made pursuant to an ongoing criminal investigation involving the unlawful importation of the vehicles from Great Britain. The Land Rovers, which do not meet federal safety or emission standards, cannot be lawfully operated in the United States.
These are legitimate vehicles, but not approved for US safety and pollution standards. The US versions are much wimpier. Since US law has an exemption for vehicles over 25 years old, SHAZAM, there’s a flood of 1989 and older Rovers for sale that are newer models from outside the US being passed off as older ones.
Not really a big deal, and there’s no real crime involved.