Nassau cops probe rash of rim, tire thefts

Seventh Squad detectives are trying to determine if two recent cases in which thieves stole rims and tires from parked cars are related, Nassau County police said Wednesday.

The latest incident was Tuesday, when rims and tires worth a total of $26,000 were stripped from seven new vehicles between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the lot of Merrick Dodge Chrysler Jeep at 3614 Sunrise Hwy., Wantagh.

Det. Vincent Garcia said police are investigating whether the same thieves stole tires and rims from five cars parked on North Massapequa residential streets the previous week.

Garcia said that similar incidents in the same area in a short period of time "is certainly something that is being looked into."

He said in all the incidents the thieves left the rim-and-tire stripped vehicles resting on bricks or concrete blocks.

Garcia said he was not sure of a motive, other than selling the items for scrap.

But there also could be a resale market for a complete set, said Pat Gilardi, co-owner of Valley Van & Sports Utilities, a Valley Stream shop that specializes in custom products for motor vehicles of all types.

"It all depends on the tires and the rims, but a new set of four easily can go for $1,000 to $2,000," Gilardi said.

Garcia reiterated the incidents are under investigation but appear to be the work of more than one person.

Taking 28 tires at the Dodge dealership "would take some time and require a truck of some type or several vehicles to cart away," he said.

The earlier incidents in North Massapequa were on Jan. 9, when tires and rims were lifted from a gray 2010 Nissan on North Central Avenue and a red 2010 Infinity parked on South Park Drive.

Two days later, tires and rims were taken from a black 2011 Honda Civic and a gray 2011 Nissan, both parked on North Park Avenue, and a black 2009 Infinity, parked on Spinning Wheel Road.

Anyone with information can call the Seventh Squad at 516-573-6752, or Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.