Car wheel thieves hit dealerships

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are searching for crooks targeting several South Florida dealerships for wheels on expensive cars.

The latest robbery occurred at the Ferrari Maserati dealership in the 5700 block of North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 27.

According to officials, two men were caught on surveillance video removing four car wheels from a 2012 Maserati priced at a $150,000 in less then six minutes. "We have 24-hour security, and I think that scared them off of getting more than just one set of wheels. Thank God, one set of wheels is enough for me. The wheels are probably about $10,000," said Garrett Hayim.

Last Sunday, another dealership in Plantation was targeted and had as many as 22 car wheels stolen. Herb Yardley from the Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealership said the suspects targeted the wheels that are the most in-demand by costumers. "There is a Dodge truck over here, I can show you, with the wheels off, and if you look at the next truck, you can see the fancy wheels, the type that they wanted, and those are the type of wheels that most costumers like and want in their car," said Yardley.

Police said this is occurring throughout the county. "This is just not occurring at high-end dealerships," said Fort Lauderdale Police detective Travis Mandell. "This is occurring throughout the county, throughout the tri-county area. They are taking high-end rims and tires off of personal vehicles from residences or from businesses, and they are selling them on the street."

"They hit about 22 trucks, and they took the tires and wheels off those in a very professional manner. We think our security is pretty good, but they were very well organized, and of course they took the attractive tires and wheels, the ones that are most in-demand in the market," said Yardley.

Police believe the pair of thieves fled in a getaway vehicle that was either a 2009 to 2011 gold Chevy Impala with dark tinted windows, air spoiler and a sunroof.

If you have any information on this robberies, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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