NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Residents in Upper Manhattan from Washington Heights to Hudson Heights have been experiencing overnight tire theft at what feels like a rising rate, leaving New Yorkers with no wheels and no warning.
Gerry Goss had the tires stolen off his 2024 Honda Pilot, with the crooks taking everything they could from the car. They also smashed his window and got inside, he told 1010 WINS.
“They took all four tires that [were] left on 4 milk crates. Replaced the tires, repaired the window, and any damage that was done to the underside of the car while it sat on the crates, was $8,600 dollars,” Goss said.
The thieves have the crime down to a science, residents said, making quick work of the tire removal process.
“In a matter of minutes, you know, even if you see them in the act and you call the cops, they’re gone,” Goss said.
After he was victimized, Goss ran into his building’s superintendent, who pulled up surveillance camera footage of the act. The suspects arrived at 2:55 a.m., and by 2:59 a.m. went on their way.
“I might sell it and get a way older model,” Goss said of his car.
Tire theft is considered felony grand larceny, and though the latest NYPD data shows that grand larceny is down 10% in the area since last year, residents of the 34th Precinct told 1010 WINS that it is happening every day, especially on Cabrini Boulevard.
When Goss inquired about what cars have been coming into his local repair shop, they told him it is more than just his vehicle being targeted.
“They told me that in fact that it’s Hondas, Hyundais and Toyotas,” he said.