Sector one Family
The city is having an increase in subjects stealing tires off of vehicles. Below is some important information to share with your community. During the 2022 year-to-date period (January 1 – March 23, 2022), 133 thefts of tires were reported citywide. Compared to the same year-to-date period in 2021, the number of reported tire thefts increased from 38 to 133.
The most common vehicles (make and model) targeted:
o Honda Accord (30)
o Toyota Camry (27)
o Honda Civic (16)
o Toyota Corolla (9)
How To Help Prevent Car-Wheel Theft
Buy Lug Nut Locks
This solution involves replacing one of the lug nuts on each wheel with a lock, which requires a special tool to remove. Often a dealer add-on when you buy your vehicle, they cost around $100 for four (one for each wheel). They’re also available at auto stores or online for a little less; you can put them on yourself or bring them to a mechanic to install for you. For extra protection, you can buy lock kits for all of the lug nuts on your wheels. Just don’t lose the key, which you’ll need to remove the wheel should you have to change a flat tire.
Install An Alarm With A Sensor
Unlike standard car alarms, which alert you when your car has been broken into, alarms with sensors can detect a tilt or angle change if thieves try to jack up your vehicle. Some high-end, newer vehicles offer this type of alarm, or you can buy it as an aftermarket addition for $250–$500. A couple caveats on the aftermarket option: The sensors may not sync with your car’s existing alarm, and you’ll need to have a repair shop install them, which costs an additional $225, on average. All told, you might be looking at more than $700—a lot of money, but less than what you’d spend on a new set of wheels.
Park In Secure, Well-Lit Areas
Thieves almost always strike at night, staking out areas where they’re less likely to be discovered, like a dark street without lights. Stay in areas where there’s more traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, and where there are security cameras, if possible. If you’re parking somewhere overnight, make sure your car is visible.
Turn Your Wheels
When you park your car, turn the wheels to a 45-degree angle. This will make it difficult for a thief to get the lug nuts off, because the inner fender will likely be in the way.
Park Close To The Curb
When parallel parking on the street, get as close as you can to the curb. The closer your vehicle is, the more difficult it will be for a thief to put a jack underneath your car. While the street side of your car will still be exposed, at least the tires on the curb side of your car will be better protected.
Franklin Porter
Captain, Fourth District
Patrol Services North
Badge No. C103
Metropolitan Police Department
6001 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20011
202-715-7502 (office)
202-317-2050 (cell)
Twitter @DCPoliceDept
Excellence is Transferrable
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