Paul - that sucks for whoever's car that is. I am sorry for them, and totally empathize.

But you know this - "What do we to protect ourselves against this?" - we volunteer at a local soup kitchen, or give money to a local non profit that helps low-income people in our community. Theft is a systemic problem. The more we think in a closed-system neighborhood-centric way, the more we invite these problems. Preaching to the choir, I know, but just chiming in for balance's sake.

Ironic. When my car was stolen a few years ago the Police said they were more concerned with tire theft issues.... Obviously the police need to be more concerned with all theft issues and do something to correct this ongoing situation.

Buys tire nut locks - Honda makes them specifically for this reason. You can get them online - they run $25-$40. Most dealerships and auto store sell them, too.

This happened last night, I believe. I'm not sure it's a policing failure. Should we be getting tire locks? Is it a problem only for Hondas and Acuras? I remember this happening some time back, but I don't remember the advice.

My comment was blocked... but my suggestion was tire bolt locks. I have them on my Honda for this exact reason.

Paul - it’s been like that for at least a few days. I think I recall seeing it on Sunday.
The Acura RSX was pushing 2 weeks ago I think.

NHPD and NHTTP - Is this car stolen? How do we get this off the street?

The Car is not stolen, the tires were stolen off of it. As stated above, there was an Acura last will in the same area with all 4 tires stolen. As @JP stated, we also suggest tire lug nut/bolt locks to avoid this, especially on the Honda Fits.

My rule of thumb as a Honda owner in New Haven is to have wheel locks. They are relatively inexpensive to buy and install - compared to the cost of four new wheels and tires - and they are definitely a deterrent.

There has been a rise in this type of crime and I have not heard anything from our Alder person. I believe there is a management meeting Monday. This should be discussed.

John - Respectfully, the homeless person at the local soup kitchen who doesn't know where their next meal is coming from, is not the person with a set of lug wrenches and a fast-lifting floor jack, driving around in a vehicle large enough to carry a set of wheels.
For Hondas in particular, there is a strong market for used parts. It's a profitable operation.

These crimes aren't victim-less - some of us work jobs that require immediate access to a car, and waking up one morning to no wheels could cause material & immediate harm.

It seems ironic that it's parked right next to a sign that reads, "Block Watch Neighborhood We Report All Suspicious Activity to the NEW HAVEN POLICE". The picture looks like something that would be found on websites that show "Very Demotivational" posters.

Anywho, this type of crime often occurs between 03:00AM and 05:00AM when vehicular traffic is almost nonexistent and most people are in a deep sleep. The East Rock area is targeted by criminals because the location allows for clandestine operations.

The location of the crime reported in this ticket is absolutely perfect for criminal activity. It's at the corner of Nicoll Street and Lawrence Street. That allows one criminal to stand at the corner and keep watch on any traffic coming from any one of the four different directions. It's also not far from highway entrance ramps which allows for a quick getaway without having to drive through the center of the city.

I'm sure the NHPD is investigating this crime with the right tools of which they have many. It's not that hard to review the video footage from the many surveillance cameras in our city; especially the cameras on the highways. Let's give them time to narrow down the exact date and time of the crime. After that, the cat should be in the bag.

I agree with NHVCyclist - those who did this are not homeless people searching for their next meal....These are organized criminal who have a large vehicle, an expensive jacking system and the wherewithal and planning to scope out cars and bring crates to set the cars on when the job is complete. We should have absolutely no sympathy for this people. They are preying upon the working class people of our city who are working hard and trying to do the right thing. We cannot/should not allow this to stand.

I wholeheartedly agree with NHVCyclist and MNHGA. My car was also a Honda Accord stolen for a joy ride and totaled. The police were not concerned and did not care, despite blood evidence left on and in the car; their story of being more concerned with tire thefts than vehicle thefts made me sick - did my vehicle not have 4 tires attached?? I've since acquired a different model of car and have been fortunate, but why do taxpayers and working class have to continue to have their vehicles damaged, stolen, etc.. from mischievous youth or professional rings profiting from vehicle theft? It should be a priority for police, particularly in known areas where this type of crime persists year after year after year.... It is not right and the police do not care!!!

For those who are planning to buy wheel locks, in my opinion buy the ones made by your car's manufacturer (if offered) over the universal aftermarket ones. In my experience, the aftermarket ones tend to strip easily.

Keep in mind though wheel locks are a deterrent only. You can still just hammer a socket on and get the lock off. But that adds time and noise to the theft process.

Done

Thanks for fixing this request!