Stripped vehicles found in field

Harris County sheriff's deputies discovered a field full of about 50 cars that they said were possibly stolen and shipped for parts.

Deputies received a tip about the East Orem Drive lot and found the stripped down cars and trucks there when they arrived, said John Morrison, a captain with the sheriff's office.

The deputies ran vehicle identification numbers and received stolen his returns, Morrison said. The agency contacted Houston police, which was heading to the scene, Morrison said at 4 a.m. Saturday.

“Nationally, vehicle theft is a multi-billion dollar crime,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on Twitter. “You often have stolen cars leading to other crimes. Stolen vehicles can also be taken apart for their parts or taken to salvage yards.”

Houston police spokesman Jodi Silva said no further information was available.