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People Are Complaining About Wheel Theft... But Not Reporting It, Cops Say

By Patty Wetli | August 11, 2016 9:46am | Updated on August 12, 2016 8:48am
 Police can't track thieves if car owners don't report the crime, commander Elias Voulgaris.
Police can't track thieves if car owners don't report the crime, commander Elias Voulgaris.
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NORTH PARK — It's a sight that's become all too familiar on the North Side: a car on blocks with four naked wheel wells where tires used to be.

Along with catalytic converters, tires have become a common target of thieves and a hot topic of discussion on social media.

Instead of sharing photos online, accompanied by comments of "ugh" and "not again," people need to report the crime to police, Albany Park Police District Cmdr. Elias Voulgaris told residents.

Posting on Facebook, where he knows his constituents communicate, Voulgaris said, "Most of the vehicles whose wheels have been stolen are not being reported."

Tireless cars are turning up in the district, dropped off by tow trucks, but without a report, "We cannot determine where the theft occurred or who the owner is unless we are given a location," Voulgaris said.

"Persons should call 911, not 311, to report a theft," he said.

Voulgaris added that he's directed his officers to stop tow trucks and inquire about their tow.

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