Police: Thieves strip cars of rims, wheels

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. — Police in Baldwin Park say some fast-moving thieves are stripping cars of their rims and wheels.

According to police, the thieves have hit a dozen cars in the Baldwin Park area and an auto repair shop on South Street.

Crooks left cars in the lot sitting on the frame.

Thieves got over the fence and stole the rims and tires off a half -dozen Hondas sitting on the lot, leaving them sitting on the frame.

Just a few miles away, they hit Hondas in the Baldwin Park neighborhood.

Auto shop owner, Joe Turley said people target Hondas because the light weight, alloy wheels improve gas mileage.

Wayne  Story had just dropped his car off for repairs hours before the car lot was hit.

"Somebody takes all of your tires, wheels off of your car, that's disappointing," said Story.

The owner said the thieves didn't get away with more tires and wheels from his lot because of a wheel lock that has to fit exactly on the lug nut to get the wheel off.

Police said they don't have a suspect yet, but the car lot is working to download video from its security cameras.

The repair shop is out several thousand dollars to replace the wheels, but the owner said he's got more to worry about.

"You got a trust issue now. As hard as you try to do the right thing every time, what's a customer worth, it's priceless," said Turley.

Wheel locks cost about $50 - $60, compared to the $300 - $400 to replace the wheels.

WFTV