LA drivers are waking up to lopsided cars. Why thieves are now swiping only 2 wheels — and how you can protect your ride

Car theft is on the rise nationwide, but in Los Angeles, thieves are adding a twist — or rather, a wrench.

Beverly Grove and the Fairfax District have seen a surge in tire thefts, with criminals swiping just two wheels instead of all four, leaving vehicles awkwardly stranded.

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Jason, a resident whose full name was not disclosed by KTLA, reached out to the station on Sunday after discovering his truck had been targeted. He reported that at least a dozen cars in the area lost wheels the same night.

“I found lug nuts on the ground, and I determined right away that two of my driver’s side tires were stolen,” he explained to KTLA in late July. “I filed a police report and, out of curiosity, I posted photos on the Neighbors app [only to] find out there were a dozen other victims within a mile radius of the Beverly Grove and Fairfax areas.”

Jason shared a photo of his truck on Edinburgh Street in Beverly Grove, which quickly prompted other residents to come forward with similar stories. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the U.S. While this isn’t technically car theft, the financial hit can still hurt.

From rising resale demand to gaps in insurance coverage, this new wave of theft shows why it pays to know what your policy covers and how to protect your car before it’s left up on blocks.

Where are the wheels going?

When Jason and other victims compared surveillance footage, they noticed some striking similarities. The thieves were using the same style of cinder blocks to prop up the targeted vehicles, and in every case, only the driver’s side tires were taken.

“What they do is park their van next to a vehicle to block the view from others. It takes about five to eight minutes for them to remove the wheels, as seen in the video, and then they are on their way,” he said. The rise in tire theft comes down to simple economics: minimal effort, maximum payout.

High-end aftermarket tires are in demand, with the value of wheels climbing alongside the cost of luxury vehicles. On the resale market, prices can vary depending on the brand, model, condition and age. Used tires typically sell for $25 to $250 each — and sometimes more.

For victims, comprehensive car insurance will usually cover the cost of replacing stolen tires and rims, though you’ll still need to pay your deductible. If you only carry the minimum state-required coverage, you may be left footing the entire bill, as this type of theft is often not included.

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How to stay a step ahead

With a detective now on the case, James noted the thefts seem to be happening between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. In response, the community has launched a neighborhood watch program to try to curb the spike in crime.

Even if it’s not happening on your street, there are a few things you can do to avoid becoming a target.

Tire theft is quick and quiet, but there are ways to make your car a less appealing target. Start with where you park. Whenever possible, use a garage or choose a well-lit, high-traffic area. Thieves prefer dark, isolated spots where they can work undisturbed, so even parking under a streetlight can help.

Wheel locks are another easy deterrent. They require a unique key to remove, adding extra time and hassle for thieves — often enough to make them move on to an easier target.

Finally, review your insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage usually includes protection against theft, including stolen tires and rims. If you only have state-minimum coverage, it may be time to consider an upgrade or add theft protection.

LA drivers are waking up to lopsided cars. Why thieves are now swiping only 2 wheels — and how you can protect your ride

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