SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Drivers beware: In just the past few months, dozens of cars throughout San Diego County have been targeted for their wheels.
Authorities say most of these thefts are taking place at night, either in parking lots or along public streets.
Detectives are currently investigating 25 of these wheel theft cases, which have been reported since January.
In the majority of these crimes, the thieves are targeting Toyota 4-Runners, as well as Toyota TRD- style trucks.
One of the most recent incidents was at an apartment complex in Oceanside, where a resident came home to see their Toyota 4-Runner propped up on cinder blocks missing all four wheels.
This crime is also occurring from Carlsbad, San Marcos and Escondido, down to the city of San Diego.
"I'm very surprised. I didn't think it would be here," said Natasha Schmidt, who has some ideas as to what's driving this spate of thefts.
"I think people just don't want to work for what they want," she told CBS 8. "I think it's just an easy way out."
This can create a very difficult situation for their victims.
"People tend to be pretty frustrated, but we do our best to help them out," said Arturo Alvarez, a manager at San Diego Tire and Wheel Outlet.
He said that just in the past week, they've had three customers come in who'd been targeted.
"It is pretty common," Alvarez told CBS 8, "but we've seen quite an uptick lately."
He added that there is a growing market for these wheels, especially online.
"There's not a whole lot of regulation when it comes to that, so it's pretty easy to take something and try to sell it online," he said.
This often leaves the victim with a hefty bill.
"It can be a couple thousand dollars for sure, depending on what product got stolen," he said. "For some of the newer stuff, between $3,500 and $4,000 for a new set."
How to protect yourself from wheel theft
Aside from parking your car in a locked garage or well-lit area with a surveillance camera, Alvarez said the best way to protect yourself is investing in a wheel lock: essentially a lug nut.
"So that way not any generic socket is able to take it off," he added. "Manufacturers provide that typically as an upgraded option on your vehicle, so not every vehicle will come with it in stock."
Storing the key in your car is generally safe, he said.
"It's safe to do that in case you ever have a puncture and you need to take it off on the side of the road," he said. "If you want to be a little more cautious you cold keep it at home, but we would recommend keeping it in your vehicle in a secure spot, typically your glove box if you're going to lock it."
At only about $40 for a wheel lock, Alvarez said it's a sound investment.
"It will save you a pretty difficult time," he added.
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