Wheel thieves targeting popular models at area dealerships

COVINGTON, Ga. - Ginn Chrysler in Covington has four vehicles on their lot that aren't going anywhere fast. Crooks swiped the wheels and rims over the weekend.

"Some people came in and helped themselves to four sets of tires," said Rick Pittman of Ginn Chrysler.

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Just down the road at Covington Ford, surveillance video captured three men taking the wheels off a new Tahoe. In the video you can see the three rolling the wheels over to their car and tossing a couple of wheels in the back, and others in the trunk.

"The most frustrating thing is you feel helpless, not a whole lot you can do to prevent it," said Matt Crowe with Covington Ford.

Between the two dealerships, thieves stole about $10,000 worth of tires and rims the morning of February 14. Trying to track them down is next to impossible.

"Once you take them off the vehicle, you can't tell one from the other where they came from originally," said Pittman.

Police said the men caught on camera could be connected to other crimes in Georgia. Police said dealerships in DeKalb and Rockdale counties, as well as Marietta, were also recently hit by wheel thieves. They believe the crimes are all connected.

Covington Police are working with other jurisdictions and will be watching online for anyone who has a bargain on wheels.

"We believe they are going to sell them and that would be a big profit, obviously, they paid nothing for them and sell them for a $1,000, $1,500 or even a few hundred dollars," said Allen Seebaran with Covington Police.