Hi Neighbors:
In the past week, there have been at least 2 car wheel thefts in Brightwood both involving Toyota Camrys. The most recent one occurred last night on 13th Street near Somerset Place - the other was on Rittenhouse near Fort Stevens and 12th Street. I spoke with MPD today, and they are aware of the rise in car wheel theft in Brightwood. I requested more police patrols and prevention tips. At the last Brightwood Community Association meeting held on Jan 10, Commander Heraud discussed car wheel theft and offered prevention tips - some of which are listed below.
My best,
Commissioner Kim Patterson
ANC 4A05, Brightwood Neighborhood
MPD Suggests Some Ways To Help Prevent Car Wheel Theft
Buy Lug Nut Locks This solution involves replacing one of the lug nuts on each wheel with a lock, which requires a special tool to remove. Often a dealer add-on when you buy your vehicle, they cost around $100 for four (one for each wheel).
They’re also available at auto stores or online for a little less; you can put them on yourself or bring them to a mechanic to install for you. For extra protection, you can buy lock kits for all of the lug nuts on your wheels. Just don’t lose the key, which you’ll need to remove the wheel should you have to change a flat tire.
Install An Alarm With A Sensor Unlike standard car alarms, which alert you when your car has been broken into, alarms with sensors can detect a tilt or angle change if thieves try to jack up your vehicle. Some high-end, newer vehicles offer this type of alarm, or you can buy it as an aftermarket addition for $250-$500. A couple caveats on the aftermarket option: The sensors may not sync with your car’s existing alarm, and you’ll need to have a repair shop install them, which costs an additional $225, on average. All told, you might be looking at more than $700–a lot of money, but less than what you’d spend on a new set of wheels.
Park In Secure, Well-Lit Areas
Thieves almost always strike at night, staking out areas where they’re less likely to be discovered, like a dark street without lights. Stay in areas where there’s more traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, and where there are security cameras, if possible. If you’re parking somewhere overnight, make sure your car is visible.
Turn Your Wheels
When you park your car, turn the wheels to a 45-degree angle. This will make it difficult for a thief to get the lug nuts off, because the inner fender will likely be in the way.
Park Close To The Curb When parallel parking on the street, get as close as you can to the curb. The closer your vehicle is, the more difficult it will be for a thief to put a jack underneath your car. While the street side of your car will still be exposed, at least the tires on the curbside of your car will be better protected.”
