Nassau County warns of countywide tire, rim larceny spree

MINEOLA (WABC) -- The Nassau County Police Department is warning residents after an uptick in tire and rim larcenies that are frequently occurring throughout the county.

Authorities report there have been 117 instances since September of 2015, including 26 alone in the last month, with individuals mostly targeting newer model Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota vehicles. The larcenies are occurring in the overnight hours, generally between midnight and 4 a.m.

County Executive Edward Mangano and acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter are urging citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or people in the area, as individuals may be driving around looking for the targeted vehicles prior to committing the larcenies.

"The subjects actually loosen the lug nuts earlier in the night," Nassau Police Detective Lieutenant Richard Lebrun said. "And then return hours later to actually commit the crime of taking the tires and rims."

Other characteristics of tire and rim larcenies:

--Individuals may loosen lug nuts from vehicles and return to the location in the early morning hours.

--Vehicles are being left on jacks, cinder blocks, or paving stones.

--May occur during periods of heavy rain, when noises will remain undetected by the resident.

Prevention Tips:

--Ensure that your driveway is well lit throughout the night.

--Install surveillance cameras that can alert you if there is movement in front of your home.

--Purchase wheel locks for your vehicle.

--Utilize your garage for overnight parking.

This information is being provided to residents to make them aware of the ongoing larcenies. Anyone who believes he or she may have been a victim is urged to call 911 immediately.

Additionally, anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All calls remain anonymous.