Florida police are sounding the alarm on a sharp spike in reports of overnight wheel thefts — and they say these 2 models are the ‘prime targets.’ How to offset the risk to your ride

A recent CargoNet report highlighted a shift in cargo theft toward high-value metals. For example, copper theft rose 85% in the first quarter of 2025 alone, underscoring how volatile raw material prices have made metal components more lucrative.

PropertyCasualty360.com reports that wheel-and-tire theft claims range from $175 to $17,000 — and can climb as high as $40,000. On average, replacing four wheels and tires on-site costs approximately $2,800.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that tire-and-rim thieves can net up to $400 per set; resellers then flip them for as much as $900 to small dealers or repair shops. In turn, repair shops resell to vehicle owners and bill insurers up to $1,300 when the parts are reinstalled.

Invest in rim locks

To counteract the trend, authorities and auto professionals urge simple precautions.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office encourages parking in well-lit areas near surveillance cameras and installing locking lug nuts or “rim locks,” which can range from $20 to $50 per set.

"The best ones are the factory ones; they're very hard to break, So, these people, they're very good at doing that," Chouait told WESH News reporters. "But if you have a good lock on it, at least you make it difficult for them to steal it."

For residents of apartment complexes without adequate lighting, a good tip is to request additional security measures — such as motion-activated floodlights or cameras, which can help serve as a deterrent.

As the region braces for more potential thefts, experts stress that vigilance and low-cost security investments are the most effective line of defense.