Tires, wheels stolen from multiple vehicles at Merced car dealerships, police say
Thieves used a rented U-Haul van to help steal tires and wheels from multiple vehicles at two Merced car dealerships early Friday morning, according to police.
The Merced Police Department responded to a call on Auto Center Drive for theft of motor vehicle tires and wheels from cars on the lots.
Representatives of the dealerships reported seven vehicles at Merced Honda and four vehicles at Merced Toyota had the tires and wheels stolen between 1 and 3:30 a.m. on Friday.
Investigators are using surveillance video to check for leads into the theft.
According to police, it appears several suspects worked for several hours to steal the tires and eventually load them into the U-Haul van.
The estimated loss and damage to the vehicles is said to be in excess of $45,000, according to representatives from the dealerships.
A black truck was seen in the area and may have been involved in the theft. Investigators are asking anyone who may know the owner of the truck to contact the police department.
Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Detective Radke at 209 388-7725 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at 209-385-4725.
The public can send information via anonymous text message to the police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.
