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Jon Petrie, owner of Tender Car Collision in Milwaukee, says he has been dealing with wheel thefts at his business for years.
He put up a fence and hired private security.
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When that didn’t work, he put GPS trackers on the rims to try to catch a thief in the act.
“It was an extreme feeling of frustration and helplessness. This was one of the last resorts of extreme, extreme anger,” he said to WISN [1]. "I roll out of my house like Batman in the middle of the night, trying to see where these wheels are going."
Petrie and the police traced the GPS device, which was hidden under the tire, to a Honda Odyssey van seen on surveillance video at Tender Car Collision and the men suspected of the crime.
Other businesses targeted
Milwaukee mechanic Ethan Langoehr knows the sting of wheel theft firsthand — both his shop and his restored 1990 Honda Prelude were targeted, with thieves taking the wheels and leaving the car on blocks. He’s not alone: police say a theft ring has hit multiple local auto shops, stealing nearly $30,000 in wheels and tires.
David Griffin now faces felony theft charges, and the van used in the crimes was traced to his apartment thanks to a hidden GPS tracker.
While police work to hold suspects accountable, car owners and small businesses are left to deal with the financial fallout — which can be steep. Factory wheels for older or specialty cars are hard to replace, and insurance doesn’t always cover the full cost unless you’ve opted into comprehensive coverage.
Check your own policy to ensure it protects you against theft of this nature. If not, shop around for car insurance providers with platforms like OfficialCarInsurance.com for insurance options that include theft-related losses.
OfficialCarInsurance.com makes it easy to instantly compare quotes from top brands like Progressive, Allstate, and GEICO, and helps you find affordable coverage that reflects your car’s real-world risks. You can even switch your policy in minutes if you find a better deal, with some quotes as low as $29/month.
Because insurance inquiries don’t require a hard credit pull on OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can confidently and safely browse insurance offers to see different levels of coverage that you would prefer. Plus, the process is 100% free.
As for Petrie, he hopes the arrests will bring some relief to local shop owners — and maybe inspire a different path for those responsible.
“Put your hard work towards something more productive than stealing, please,” he said in his interview. “If you applied that same effort toward doing something of value to society, you could do so well.”
Read more: How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
Why wheel and tire theft is common and so costly
While this may seem like petty theft, it’s actually a major concern for mechanic shops and car owners across the country.
According to Direct Auto Insurance [2], wheels and tires are some of the most commonly stolen car parts.
There are a few reasons for this. Tires and wheels can be removed from your car in a matter of minutes, making it easy for a thief to target your car if it’s parked in an unmonitored location. These parts are often unmarked, unlike the hardware found under your hood, so it’s difficult for police to track down stolen parts, or for a shady mechanic to be accused of receiving stolen parts. They are also easy to resell for high prices, especially with tariffs being slapped on them.
These crimes can be a major headache for car owners if their insurance doesn’t cover the full cost. Many Americans don’t have emergency funds and aren’t ready for a surprise expense due to a theft.
“The cost to replace stolen wheels and tires can easily top $2,000 even for an average cost car,” says Kiley & O’Toole Insurance [2].
“If your auto insurance policy has comprehensive coverage, then your insurance company will pay for most of your loss. However, personally you will still pay a price. First, because a deductible will apply, you will pay the first $300 to $1,000, depending on your policy. Second, even though the claim is no fault of your own, it is nonetheless a claim paid and becomes part of your claim history, and with some insurance companies it could increase the insurance rate you pay down the line.”
Without the right car insurance policy in place, you could end up paying thousands out-of-pocket — especially if you don’t have an emergency fund.
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How to avoid wheel theft
While this type of crime is prevalent, there are several measures you can take to hopefully avoid becoming a victim:
- Use your garage or park in well-lit areas: Whether it’s attached to your home or part of a public parking structure, keeping your vehicle out of sight often keeps it out of mind for thieves. Tire thieves don’t want to be seen in action — so use a busy street to your advantage.
- Lock it up: Consider replacing one of the lug nuts on each wheel with a lock. These require a special key for removal. Thieves often move on when a job gets harder or takes longer.
- Turn your wheel: Parking with your wheels at a 45-degree angle — especially near a curb — makes it harder to access and remove lug nuts.
Finally, don’t overlook the basics — always lock your car, even if you’re stepping away for just a moment. It may seem obvious, but car part thefts happen in seconds.
And while prevention goes a long way, it’s just as essential to make sure your insurance has you covered in case theft does occur. Shop around with OfficialCarInsurance.com to help you compare quotes and different levels of coverage from top providers, so you’re not left guessing — or overpaying.
Article sources
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[1]. WISN. “Police search for man they call a ‘prolific’ wheel thief, mechanics targeted”
[2]. Direct Auto Insurance. “9 Commonly Stolen Car Parts & Items: How to Theft-Proof Your Vehicle”
[3]. Kiley & O’Toole Insurance. “Help Protect Your Car Wheels from Being Stolen”
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