PHOENIX -- A major identity theft and crime ring operating in Phoenix and across the Valley has been busted, according to police.

Investigators said they arrested the two ringleaders, David Bidwell and Chris Jernigan.

Police said the pair was running a ring that burglarized more than 50 homes and cars across the valley, stole identities and created bogus identities and credit cards. They also said the ring included a fencing operation run out of a Phoenix home, where one of their friends helped buy and sell stolen property.

Hiking trails were one of the burglars’ favorite targets, according to police.

"One of these guys would go to the trailhead and watch people leaving for their walks or hikes… (and then steal) purses and other personal information from inside the vehicle," said Officer James Holmes, spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department.

That opened the door for identity theft.

Police said this group had a stolen MVD card making machine and a spool of driver’s license lamina.

”They would take these (stolen IDs) and using their equipment create a fake ID based on a real identity," said Detective Adam Geremia, of the Phoenix Police Department.

Some of the other items confiscated by police: guns, re-encoded credit cards and chemical solvents used to “wash” documents.

Investigators said this case underscores the importance of guarding your identity and personal information.