California has seen a significant increase in vehicle tire thefts, with criminals stealing rims and tires from cars before selling them online at cheap rates.
The prevalence of this crime poses a significant challenge for law enforcement, as it is often difficult to apprehend the perpetrators or identify stolen items due to the lack of identifying markers or serial numbers on tires and rims.
Taiyub Afzal, a resident of Stockton, experienced this firsthand when thieves targeted his Honda Civic, using an iron wrench to remove all four tires and leaving the vehicle on cinder blocks. Afzal's case remains under investigation, but it is not an isolated incident. In 2023 alone, the Stockton police have reported 22 cases of vehicle tire thefts.
This issue is not limited to Stockton, with similar thefts occurring regionally and throughout the state. Evidence of the stolen goods can be found in various online listings, such as those on Facebook. The lack of identifying information on these items makes it difficult for law enforcement to trace the stolen goods and catch the suspects.
Stockton police have provided a series of precautionary measures for vehicle owners to help prevent tire theft, including parking under bright lights, using a garage or secured parking, installing wheel locks, and utilizing home surveillance. While these measures may not be entirely foolproof, they can help deter potential thieves.
KCRA 3 Investigates filed a public records request with multiple police departments in the region to assess the scope of the problem. The investigation has underscored the need for a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies across the state to address this pervasive issue.