In recent years, automotive theft has risen dramatically, and those types of crimes aren’t just relegated to entire vehicles – rather, thieves are increasingly targeting pricey individual parts, too. This is largely due to the fact that things like wheels, tailgates, lighting elements, and even catalytic convertors are worth a considerable amount of coin these days, and they’re oftentimes easier to steal and sell, undetected, compared to an entire vehicle. Now, some Ford Explorer owners in Philadelphia are learning this lesson the hard way.
According to Fox 29 News, more than one Ford Explorer owner has parked their vehicle in a lot under I-95 in South Philadelphia recently – a popular spot given the overall lack of parking in the area, coupled with the fact that it’s free to park there – and returned to their vehicle only to find their wheels and tires missing. Other vehicle owners have had their windows smashed out and wheels stolen as well.
Police are investigating this rash of crimes, and believe that they’re being committed by an organized theft ring of some sort. Regardless, many residents are simply opting not to park in the notorious lot, given the fact that these crimes have become so prevalent. Meanwhile, those same residents are calling for more police patrols and perhaps cameras that could help deter thieves, or help catch them in the act.
Regardless, this certainly isn’t the first time we’ve seen crimes of this nature occur in recent months. In fact, a number of Ford Performance vehicles parked at a company-owned lot were relived of their wheels a few years ago, and Ford even filed a patent for a wheel theft detection system easier this year. Ford pickups are also increasing the victims of tailgate thefts, and the Ford Explorer recently ranked among the top targets for catalytic converter thefts, too.
We’ll have more on the Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Parking under an Interstate, that seems so safe with no one around.
LOL Surprised they weren’t ticketed & towed.
They couldn’t tow them, they had no wheels!
At a retail price of 975.00 per wheel; it’s no wonder criminals steal them.
No, can’t be . The Dems say crime is down. If you own something nice in a big city, you won’t own it for long.