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When that didn’t work, he put GPS trackers on the rims to try to catch a thief in the act.
“It was an extreme feeling of frustration and helplessness. This was one of the last resorts of extreme, extreme anger,” he said to WISN. "I roll out of my house like Batman in the middle of the night, trying to see where these wheels are going."
Petrie and the police traced the GPS device, which was hidden under the tire, to a Honda Odyssey van seen on surveillance video at Tender Car Collision and the men suspected of the crime.
Other businesses targeted
Ethan Langoehr, a mechanic in Milwaukee, said his place of work and his project car were targeted.
Langoehr is working on restoring a 1990 Honda Prelude for himself. He used to keep it behind the Midas mechanic shop where he works. He said the tires and wheels were stolen overnight and the car was put on blocks.
“It’s going to be incredibly difficult to find another set of factory wheels,” he told WISN.
Police now have an arrest warrant for David Griffin, who has been accused of stealing $29,700 worth of wheels and tires from mechanic shops across the city.
The Honda Odyssey van carrying Petrie’s GPS device was parked at an apartment where court records show Griffin lives, according to the WISN report. Griffin has been charged with four counts of felony theft and one misdemeanor count.
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"Put your hard work towards something more productive than stealing, please," Petrie said in the interview with WISN. "Like, if you applied an ounce of that hard work of getting up in the middle of the night and relentlessly stealing, if you applied that same effort towards doing something of value to society, you could do so well."
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Why wheel and tire theft is common
While this may seem like petty theft, it’s actually a major concern for mechanic shops and car owners across the country.
According to Direct Auto Insurance, wheels and tires are some of the most commonly stolen car parts.
There are a few reasons for this. Tires and wheels can be removed from your car in a matter of minutes, making it easy for a thief to target your car if it's parked in an unmonitored location. These parts are often unmarked, unlike the hardware found under your hood, so it’s difficult for police to track down stolen parts, or for a shady mechanic to be accused of receiving stolen parts. They are also easy to resell for high prices, especially with tariffs being slapped on them.
These crimes can be a major headache for car owners if their insurance doesn’t cover the full cost. Many Americans don’t have emergency funds and aren’t ready for a surprise expense due to a theft.
“The cost to replace stolen wheels and tires can easily top $2,000 even for an average cost car,” says Kiley & O'Toole Insurance. “If your auto insurance policy has comprehensive coverage, then your insurance company will pay for most of your loss. However, personally you will still pay a price. First, because a deductible will apply, you will pay the first $300 to $1,000, depending on your policy. Second, even though the claim is no fault of your own, it is nonetheless a claim paid and becomes part of your claim history, and with some insurance companies it could increase the insurance rate you pay down the line.”
How to avoid wheel theft
While this type of crime is prevalent, there are several measures you can take to hopefully avoid becoming a victim:
- Use your garage or well-lit areas: Whether it’s connected to your home or you have access to a parking garage, putting your vehicle out-of-sight puts it out-of-mind for thieves. These crimes are often opportunistic, with thieves cruising for vehicles that seem unattended. If you can’t park in a garage, be sure you’re parking under a street light, or in high-traffic areas. Tire thieves don’t want to be seen at work, so use a busy street to your advantage.
- Lock it up: Consider replacing one of the lug nuts on each wheel with a lock. These require a special key for removal.
- Turn your wheel: According to GEICO, turning your wheels to a 45-degree angle makes it "difficult for a thief to get the lug nuts off, because the inner fender will likely be in the way."
Finally, always remember to lock your car. This may seem like obvious advice, but forgetfulness can lead to your items being stolen in a matter of minutes. Also be sure to check your insurance coverage to ensure that if you become a target of this type of crime, you’ll be fully covered for replacement tires and wheels.
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Rebecca Holland is dedicated to creating clear, accessible advice for readers navigating the complexities of money management, investing and financial planning. Her work has been featured in respected publications including the Financial Post, The Globe & Mail, and the Edmonton Journal.
