Nassau County Police Warn Mercedes-Benz Owners Of Tire And Rim Thefts
MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Dozens of expensive cars parked on driveways and in front of homes across Nassau County have been hit by thieves.
Owners of late-model Mercedes were keeping a close eye on their prized luxury cars on Thursday after Long Island law enforcement issued alerts saying 26 people in Nassau alone had fallen victim to mysterious thefts in the frigid overnight hours.
The stealthy bandit was targeting tires and rims of 2014 and 2015 models, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported.
"No wheels on it. No wheels, no rims. It needed to get towed," said Syosset victim Eric Molbegat.
Multiple victims called Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa.
"They were missing wheels. They said they woke up and their cars were left on bricks or on a jack stand," dealership general manager Lance Cotton said. "We find that whenever Mercedes or any of the manufacturers start to change their design of their wheel it becomes a hot item, because it is expensive."
Tires and rims do not have identification numbers, as vehicles do, making it harder to link a stolen part to a victim. So far, the crook has moved confidently through communities from Roslyn Heights to Seaford, McLogan reported.
"In five to 10 minutes. If you watch NASCAR you can see how quickly a professional crew can change tires," Nassau County Police Det. Vincent Garcia said. "Here, you go to bed at night, it's the wintertime. Your windows are closed. You might not hear people in your driveway."
It can cost an owner between $1,700 and $4,000 for each tire, rim, sensors and labor, McLogan reported. Police suspect the hot wheels will end up on craigslist or eBay, or land in scrap yards for lucrative resale.
With so many blowouts on potholes, the market is ripe. Lot attendant Nicolas Martinez said he came out to discover pilfered tires and rims on three Mercedes.
"They just sat on jacks," Martinez said.
Police are urging owners to use wheel locks, car alarms, motion sensors and security lights.
"If you park in a driveway, consider using motion detector lights, security cameras on homes can act as a deterrent to thieves," Officer Eric Evanson told WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs.
Nassau's Intelligence Unit said it has eyes on a person of interest, who was spotted fleeing one of the robberies in a white sedan, McLogan reported.
"These thefts are occurring throughout the county," Evanson said. "We are asking residents to be diligent and if they see persons in their neighborhood acting suspiciously to call 911."
In several cases the burglar left behind a floor jack and some bricks that may contain fingerprints, police said.