Thieves hit Chinatown parking lots, stealing tires and wheels

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Some Chinatown parking lots, which are often seen as safer places to leave vehicles, are being targeted by thieves.

That's according to a local parking operator, who says crimes have been happening repeatedly in recent weeks.

Surveillance video shows suspects removing tires and wheels from parked cars and leaving within minutes.

"They're wearing the big masks," said Robert Spear, CEO of EZ Park, as he showed the footage to Action News.

It showed several individuals working quickly and avoiding identification.

Spear said the incidents have occurred multiple times at two parking lots his company operates on Vine Street between 12th and Broad streets.

"I can think of about 15-20 over the last five weeks, which is crazy," Spear said.

Video shows suspects arriving and immediately going to work, lifting vehicles and removing wheels one at a time.

"They just come in like they own the place," Spear said. "They put these yellow things under the car so they can jack up the car one side at a time."

As the car tilts, the suspects remove the tires and wheels and load them into a waiting vehicle.

"They're worth like $400 a wheel." Spear said. The suspects then drive off, leaving the targeted vehicle sitting on the pavement.

"It's amazing how brazen they are," he added.

Spear said both he and affected vehicle owners have reported the incidents to police.

"I mean it's terrible," he said. "I feel bad for these people!"

The repeated thefts are also affecting his business, Spear said.

"My customers are leaving. They're getting so upset they don't want to park there anymore," he said.

Spear, who has operated parking lots for 50 years, said he has noticed a pattern in the vehicles being targeted. From what he has observed, Honda Accords and CRVs appear to be frequent targets, though other types have also been hit.

He said he hopes police will increase attention in the area.

"I'd like to see them get caught. But I just want it to stop," Spear said.

Philadelphia police said they are investigating the incidents. Police also advise drivers to consider using wheel locks - specialized lug nuts that require a key to remove - as a possible deterrent.