Police: Car Thieves Stealing Tires Around Mason District

Fairfax County police are currently looking for suspects involved in a series of tire thefts over the past few weeks in Mason District.

The thieves are specifically targeting Honda Fit cars and are stealing not one, but all four tires from the sport model vehicles.

Crime Prevention Officer Brendan Murphy said the thefts are largely occurring in the Sleepy Hollow, Broyhill Crest and Seven Corners neighborhoods between midnight and 5 a.m. when most residents are asleep. The thieves are breaking into locked and unlocked cars and using the jack from the vehicle to remove the tires and rims from cars parked on the street and in driveways. 

Murphy said the tires and rims of the Honda Fit’s are valuable because they are “easily interchangeable with other vehicles.”

Police believe there are multiple suspects are involved in the thefts. Undercover vehicles and plainclothes officers have been deployed to the neighborhoods, but Murphy also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police.

Mason District isn’t the only community suffering from such thefts. Police in cities such as Chicago, Il and Orlando, Fl are also seeing a rise in Honda Fit vehicle tire thefts, according to an update from Murphy to members of the Mason District Station’s listserv.

Residents are also asked to remember the following prevention tips: 

• No matter what the vehicle you should always make sure it is locked
• Purchase wheel locks and locking lug nuts
• Park in well-lit areas and utilize your security features
• Be attentive in late night hours whether driving in your neighborhood or up to get a midnight snack…. peer outside
• Stay active in Neighborhood Watch