The Nassau County Police Department is warning residents of tire and rim larcenies occuring throughout the county. Since September 2015, there have been 116 tire and rim larcenies, with 26 since the beginning of the year. Most of the incidences have occurred in the Valley Stream and Elmont areas with additional incidences in Carle Place, Seaford, Albertson and Hicksville. Individuals are targeting mostly newer model Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota vehicles. The larcenies are occurring in the overnight hours between midnight and 4 a.m.
According to Detective Lt. Richard LeBrun, the individuals are very fast, removing the tires and/or rims within 30 seconds.
The NCPD says that individuals may loosen lug nuts from vehicles and return to the location in the early morning hours, or commit the larcenies during periods of heavy rain when noises will remain undetected by the resident. Vehicles are being left on jacks, cinderblocks or paving stones.
To prevent these larcenies, the NCPD suggests residents ensure that their driveway is well lit throughout the night, install surveillance cameras that can alert them to movement in front of their home, purchase wheel locks and utilize their garage for overnight parking.
LeBrun said there is no description of the vehicle or suspects, but the asset forfiture intelligence department is investigating. He said patrols have been increased in Valley Stream and Elmont.
Citizens are urged 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.
If you believe you may have been a victim of these larcenies, please call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-8477. All calls remain anonymous. —Tribune Staff
