Longueuil police say they have broken up a high-tech car-theft ring.

They say the alleged ring went way beyond car window smashing and hotwiring.

Investigators say the ring used sophisticated computer equipment, key presses, and ignition key code books, to either to make ignition keys on the spot, or hack into keyless push-to-start ignition systems, usually of luxury SUVs.

Investigators say the ring stole 300 SUVs from streets and shopping mall parking lots throughout Longueuil.

Lt.-Det. Palmerino Troilo with Longueuil police says the stolen vehicles were for export.

 
"The majority of them were for exportation," he says. "And they passed through the Port of Montreal. They were exported either to the continents of Africa or Europe."

Police arrested 13 people in the coursse of an investigation that lasted more than two years.

They also seized more than 100 stolen vehicles at the Port of Montreal.

Photos and video: Claude Beaulieu