Wheels Disappearing Off SUVs In Lincoln Park
(CBS) – If you've got a big, expensive SUV with big, expensive wheels and you live in Lincoln Park, be on the alert. Somebody may be out to rip you off.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports on the rash of thefts.
One of the vehicles was a GMC Denali that was stripped of its tires and wheels. It happened in the 1100 block of West Montana, under cover of darkness.
"We've seen it in movies, and then we found out that it actually does happen in the city, quite often," said the shocked vehicle's owner, who asked not to be identified.
Another resident, Jon Oppenheimer, says he has seen other luxury vehicles hit in the past two or three weeks.
"It seems like maybe there's somebody out there who's looking for some specific types of wheels, more valuable than others," he says.
Ald. Michele Smith of the 43rd Ward has issued a warning.
"The police continue to investigate and in the meantime recommend the purchase of locking lug nuts for individual tires to deter these type of thefts."
The victim with the Denali got a double-whammy. After she found her wheels gone, the city parking patrol issued her a parking ticket. She had to raise Cain to get the ticket rescinded.