Palos Park Police Warn of Uptick in Tire, Wheel Thefts

Palos Park police are warning residents of recent thefts of tires and wheels off cars in parking lots where a car may parked for an extended period, such as a train station, or event venues.

Thieves can make a profit by selling them to crooked dealers and repair shops. Because not all wheel and tire shops keep an inventory book to identify sellers of the items, cases can be difficult to investigate.

These unconventional auto thefts have taken off because stealing rims and tires is an easy way for thieves to make a quick profit and because thieves target easy-to-steal tires and rims.

Police recommend that whenever possible, drivers park in a garage, a parking lot with an attendant, or in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic. The thief moves quickly and at least one person takes the tires and wheels off of vehicles and leaves the vehicles on blocks.

Those leaving a car in a parking lot all day may want to consider installing a car alarm, police said.