Sharp spike in wheel thefts prompts warning in the Harbor Area

Detectives have warned the public of a sudden increase in tire and wheel thefts from late model Chevrolet trucks in the Harbor Area, releasing a photograph of a man in a ski mask captured as he loaded stolen wheels into a van.

Residents have reported 12 crimes in the last month in Wilmington, San Pedro, Harbor City, and Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles police Detective Carmine Sasso said.

“They kind of made their rounds,” Sasso said. “It’s just crazy.”

Thieves primarily targeted Chevrolet trucks parked on the street. Using cinder blocks, bricks or wood blocks to prop up the vehicle, they take all four wheels and tires.

“A good crew can prop them up on cinder blocks and remove all four tires and wheels in 10 minutes,” Sasso said. “They get really skilled at it. They are very efficient.”

On July 20, two men were photographed trying to steal tires from a Chevrolet Tahoe. They removed the lug nuts and fled in a black, two-door, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado with a paper license plate that said, “Ballers.”

On Aug. 20, a man in a ski mask was spotted loading tires into a 1990s brown Ford Econoline van.

Both vehicles were caught on security video.

Sasso advised using wheel locks to prevent crimes and to put distinct marks on them so they can be identified if they are recovered.

Sasso also recommended that motorists make sure their vehicles are locked when they leave them. Fifteen of 20 vehicles recently burglarized were unlocked, he said.

Thieves are after anything they can grab. One took 75 cents and a cup holder, he said.

Sasso asked anyone with information about the wheel thefts to call him at 310-726-7876.