There is an abundance of wheel theft articles available in the media, and it is hard to keep track of even a fraction of them. That is, even for us wheel theft nerds.
However, below we have compiled a list of some of the articles that we have come by from USA, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico since the beginning of 2019. Please note: this is in no way an exhaustive list, but it includes some of the more notable cases.
Have you seen a particularly spectacular article about wheel theft lately? Please send us an email with the link and help us spread awareness of the global wheel theft issue.
"This is getting out of hand."
https://www.popville.com/tag/stolen-wheels/
Washington, United States, Ongoing
"Suspect stole rims, tires off 4 cars at East Haven dealership"
https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Photos-Suspect-stole-rims-tires-off-4-cars-at-15751674.php#item-85307-tbla-12
Connecticut, United States, November 24, 2020
"The tires of an Acura two weeks out of the showroom were stolen"
https://www.nj.com/hudson/2020/07/tires-stolen-from-14-day-old-acura-in-jersey-city.html
New Jersey, United States, July 18, 2020
"The fast-rising unemployment and the financial strain experienced by many has led to a rise in case of theft and snatching in many parts of the country"
https://gaadiwaadi.com/all-4-wheels-of-the-brand-new-hyundai-creta-kia-seltos-stolen-details/
Delhi, India, July 5, 2020
"A truck had its wheels and tires stolen after being serviced at a tire store"
https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2020/06/25/rmw-truck-left-overnight-after-service-has-tires-and-wheels-stolen/#.XxBGg5MzYUQ
Utah, United Stated, June 25, 2020
"Unfortunately someone has broken the lock down rules and decided they needed 15 Tyres more than we did."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/300009677/thieves-target-tyres-from-timaru-car-dealership
Timaru, New Zealand, May 11, 2020
"The estimated loss and damage to the vehicles is said to be in excess of $45,000, according to representatives from the dealerships."
https://www.mercedsunstar.com/news/article242454521.html
California, United States, May 1, 2020
"The woman had recently moved to the area to help care who her father who ended up passing away. Since the theft, they say, she had been relying on other family members for transportation."
https://www.krmg.com/news/local/law-enforcement-officers-replace-tires-for-theft-victim/CPfo4hb2ixwC5paQC7DsvJ/
Oklahoma, United States, April 22, 2020
"Thieves prey on those sheltering-at-home by stealing tires amid COVID-19 pandemic"
https://abc13.com/coronavirus-thefts-car-crime-bay-area-update/6119722/
California, United States, April 21, 2020
"The manager said vehicle part theft has been a common problem in the auto industry, but since the pandemic, it’s gotten worse."
https://torontosun.com/news/crime/brampton-honda-says-it-was-dealership-robbed-of-tires-rims-during-covid-19
Ontario, Canada, April 10, 2020
"Tires stolen from a Pachuca agency's exhibition vehicles"
https://criteriohidalgo.com/destacado/roban-llantas-a-vehiculos-de-exhibicion-en-agencia-de-pachuca
Hidalgo, Mexico, April 3, 2020
"There were four vehicles with rims and tires stolen – three on Southmoor and one in the elementary school parking lot"
https://scotteblog.com/2020/04/01/rims-and-tires-stolen-from-four-vehicles-in-hanover-on-march-23rd/
Maryland, United States, April 1, 2020
"She said she was now in "lockdown at a whole new level" as the vehicle was her and her partner's only personal car."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=12320701
Pāpāmoa, New Zealand, March 29, 2020
"I have been isolated for ten days because I am part of the risk group," Gustavo told El Doce. Resigned, he also admitted that insecurity is something that no longer surprises him. "I am protecting myself against the coronavirus, but I could not escape the pandemic of crime. We are all locked up and you continue to see thieves taking advantage on the street," he said.
https://eldoce.tv/el-doce-y-vos/barrio-bajo-palermo-cumplia-la-cuarentena-y-le-robaron-la-rueda-del-auto-pandemia-salud-inseguridad-delincuencia-juan-lafinur-coronavirus_97026
Córdoba, Argentina March 25, 2020
"Multiple tires, rims reported stolen from Monroe area car dealerships"
https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2020/03/multiple-tires-rims-reported-stolen-from-monroe-area-car-dealerships.html
Michigan, United States, March 23, 2020
"Stolen tires and rims"
https://elqueretano.info/subterraneo/les-robaron-sus-neumaticos-y-rines/
Querétaro, Mexico, March 20, 2020
“With everything going on with the coronavirus, we can’t overlook crime [that] is still happening,”
https://nypost.com/2020/03/19/thieves-steal-tires-off-retired-nypd-chiefs-car/
New York, United States, March 19, 2020
"The wheel robbers returned to attack. A few hours apart, the tires were stolen from four vehicles parked in different parts of the city of Neuquén."
https://www.lmneuquen.com/robarruedas-atacaron-el-centro-un-acceso-al-paseo-costero-y-santa-genoveva-n687961
Neuquén, Argentine, March 3, 2020
"Cars left up on blocks were a common sight in the "bad old" days of New York City. Now, there are warnings that the crime is returning to the city."
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/car-wheels-being-stolen-across-new-york-city
New York, United States, February 28, 2020
"Deputies say watch out: thieves could be out for your wheels"
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/wheels-stolen-off-cars-at-kissimmee-apartment-complex
Florida, United States, February 19, 2020
"Both Mishawaka Police and the airport authority are investigating wheels stolen off vehicles."
https://wsbt.com/news/local/mishawaka-police-south-bend-airport-report-cases-of-wheels-stolen-off-vehicles
Indiana, United States, February 17, 2020
"Thousands of dollars' worth of tires stolen from Mishawaka car dealerships"
https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Thousands-of-dollars-worth-of-tires-stolen-from-Mishawaka-car-dealerships-567856311.html
Indiana, United States, February 13, 2020
"Tires, wheels being stolen off vehicles near interstates. One of those hit is a new car that a National Guardsman bought 3 days after he recently returned from overseas"
https://www.ksla.com/2020/01/24/tires-wheels-being-stolen-off-vehicles-near-interstates/
Louisiana, United States, January 24, 2020
"World first: 2020 C8 Corvette Wheels Jacked, Car Left on Blocks. Street parking in the Motor City remains perilous for hot new cars, it seems."
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-chevrolet-corvette-c8-wheels-stolen-blocks/
Michigan, United States, January 23, 2020
"A typical car can be stripped of its wheels and tires in 10 minutes. Insurance companies indicate the thefts can take place fairly quick using a jack and a battery-operated tool known as an impact wrench with a lot of torque."
https://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/local-news/gone-10-minutes/
California, United States, January 16, 2020
"Residents Worried After Several Tire and Rim Thefts"
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2020/01/15/onondaga-county-residents-concerned-about-tire-and-rim-thefts#
New York, United States, January 14, 2020
"Police Investigating Series Of Wheel Thefts Leaving Cars On Blocks"
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2020/01/14/elk-grove-wheel-tire-thefts-laguna-bruceville/
California, United States, January 14, 2020
"A theft ring travelling across the country stealing semi-truck tires and wheels is possibly behind the theft last month of more than $54,000 worth of tires"
https://www.whio.com/news/crime--law/54k-semi-tires-stolen-from-kenworth-dayton-theft-ring-may-blame-police-say/qUXwV8W2mLkgrzlgZgMVvI/
Ohio, United States, January 6, 2020
"A man has returned to his car after four days of helping defend a home from a bushfire, only to find his wheels missing."
https://au.news.yahoo.com/woman-targeted-by-disgusting-act-after-offering-help-during-horrific-fires-023809942.html
Victoria, Australia, January 4, 2020
"Her Tires Were Slashed In Buena Park In September. On Friday, All 4 Were Stolen"
https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/12/09/her-tires-were-slashed-in-buena-park-in-september-on-friday-all-4-were-stolen/
Illinois, United States, December 9, 2019
“'Everybody has Hondas. That’s why their parts are stolen the most,' Cintron said. 'If you steal a Lamborghini’s mirror, where are you going to sell it? The cars you see out there on the road the most are the more susceptible, because they’re generic parts you can swap out, that you can get rid of easier.'”
https://riverdalepress.com/stories/car-owners-fear-for-the-future-of-their-tires-and-rims,70721
New York, United States, December 8, 2019
"Tens of thousands of dollars-worth of tires are being stolen from lots overnight, sometimes right off the vehicles that are parked there, rims and all. Multiple dealerships in the area of Woodlawn and Elmira roads say they've been hit in recent weeks."
https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/thieves-stealing-tires-from-car-dealership-vehicles-overnight-1.4713776
Ontario, Canada, December 3, 2019
"Tire, Rim Thefts Hit Northeast Queens Hard, Cops Say"
https://patch.com/new-york/bayside/increase-tire-rim-thefts-hitting-northeast-queens-hard-cops
New York, United States, November 29, 2019
"Erickson said he was able to replace the wheels after taking a couple of days off work and spending thousands of dollars. He said that wasn’t the only thing that he feels was taken."
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2019/11/25/truck-owners-stolen-wheels/
California, United States, November 25, 2019
"The wheel thieves return to La Quinta neighborhood"
https://www.carlospazvivo.com/volvieron-los-roba-ruedas-a-barrio-la-quinta/
Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 24, 2019
"Rims were stolen while his car was parked outside of the home. Apparently it is not an isolated case because an officer told him that it is the third case that has recently occurred in southern Merida with Beat cars."
https://sipse.com/novedades-yucatan/robo-llantas-neumaticos-auto-fraccionamiento-ampliacion-hacienda-merida-348123.html
Yucatan, Mexico, October 24, 2019
"Once again, the wheel thieves appeared in the center of the city of Neuquén with an attack"
https://www.lmneuquen.com/volvieron-los-robarruedas-atacaron-un-auto-la-calle-del-cementerio-n656410
Neuquén, Argentina, October 24, 2019
"At least three cases were registered on the same street during the early hours of October 12."
https://www.canuelasnews.com.ar/policiales/2019/10/17/robo-dejan-sin-ruedas-tres-autos-en-una-sola-noche-1382.html
Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 17, 2019
"At least three cases were those that were registered during the early hours of October 12."
https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Bryan-and-College-Station-see-rise-in-wheel-theft-crimes-563344291.html
Texas, United States, October 17, 2019
"60 reported thefts of wheels in two weeks"
https://www.rosario3.com/policiales/Robaruedas-en-dos-semanas-se-contaron-60-robos-de-neumaticos-20191017-0032.html
Rosario, Argentina, October 17, 2019
"Another attack of the wheel thieves: how do we keep our wheels?"
https://www.rosario3.com/informaciongeneral/Otro-ataque-de-los-robaruedas-como-preservar-los-neumaticos-20191016-0041.html
Rosario, Argentina, October 16, 2019
"Reinforced surveillance as a consequence of increased theft of tires in the capital, despite recent arrests"
https://queretaro.quadratin.com.mx/refuerzan-vigilancia-ante-robo-de-neumaticos-en-la-capital/
Querétano, Mexico, October 15, Mexico
"They act with total impunity and in broad daylight with a mechanism that allows them to remove the tire from a car in a few minutes"
https://www.diariopopular.com.ar/policiales/quilmes-preocupacion-robarruedas-bernal-oeste-n431262
Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 11, 2019
"The attacks occur not only during the night, when there is little movement on the streets, but also in central areas and in broad daylight"
https://www.debrown.com.ar/los-roba-ruedas-volvieron-al-ataque-en-adrogue/
Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 5, 2019
"The occurrence of wheel theft in Rosario increased between 5 and 8 percent, compared to last year"
https://www.rosario3.com/policiales/Fue-a-la-cochera-a-sacar-el-auto-y-lo-encontro-sin-ruedas-20191003-0007.html
Rosario, Argentina, October 3, 2019
"It was sitting straight on the ground"
https://www.lmneuquen.com/volvieron-los-robarruedas-el-area-centro-este-la-ciudad-n648927
Neuquén, Argentina, September 5, 2019
"'It has been an absolute nightmare': Commuter who parked his ute near a train station returns after a day of work to find all four wheels STOLEN"
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7421035/Rouse-Hill-train-station-thieves-steal-tyres-mans-ute.html
New South Wales, Australia, September 3, 2019
"The string of wheel thefts in Santa Fe continues"
https://sinmordaza.com/noticia/681193-siguen-los-ataques-de-robarruedas-en-santa-fe.html
Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 29, 2019
"The 111th Precinct in Bayside is warning car owners about the uptick in tire and rim theft in the area. According to police, thieves have been targeting newer models of Hondas and Acuras over the past few days"
https://qns.com/story/2019/06/20/111th-precinct-warns-car-owners-about-rise-in-tire-and-rim-theft-in-bayside-and-douglaston/
New York, United States, June 20, 2019
"No rest for the wheel thieves: now they've attacked two cars in the Belgrano neighborhood"
https://www.lmneuquen.com/los-robarruedas-no-se-toman-descanso-ahora-atacaron-dos-autos-barrio-belgrano-n624374
Buenos Aires, Argentina, February 22, 2019
"They emphasise that there have been many more cases"
https://www.mdzol.com/sociedad/modus-operandi/pase-y-mire-los-robarruedas-tambien-atacan-el-barrio-ujemvi-20190516-28602.html
Las Heras, Argentina, February 12, 2019
"Another attack by the wheel thieves: they left a car on the ground in central Neuquén"
https://www.lmneuquen.com/otro-ataque-los-robarruedas-dejaron-un-auto-el-asfalto-el-centro-neuquino-n623146
Neuquén, Argentina, February 12, 2019
