A spate of tire and wheel thefts has Coquitlam RCMP appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest.
Thieves have been targeting full-size pickup trucks with a specific focus on vehicles with aftermarket rims. About 30 reports have been investigated since October and police believe the suspects may be surveying neighbourhoods in a cube van.
Once a target is identified, the thieves are able to quickly jack up the vehicle, place it on blocks, then remove the wheels and tires before making their getaway.
"These thieves know what they're doing and they're fast," said Cpl. Scott Grimmer, a member of the Coquitlam RCMP's prolific target team. "In most of the incidents we know about, the suspects have attracted little, if any, attention."
There are things vehicle owners can do to protect themselves. Grimmer recommends people should take advantage of garages and secure parking options if they are available. If not, a well-lit and well-travelled area is a good place to park.
Residents with home surveillance systems should position their cameras so they capture images of their vehicle and truck owners are urged to install lug nut locks on their wheels.
"We're asking the public to help us catch the thieves by calling the Coquitlam RCMP to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood, especially if a cube van is involved," Grimmer said.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2014-33271. Those who wish to provide information anonymously can do so by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by going to solvecrime.ca.
@GMcKennaTC
