Recent tire thefts plague Denton apartments

by Addley Fannin of of North Texas Daily

The Denton Police Department reported eight cases of stolen tires since Jan. 1 this year. In each case, all four tires were stolen from a vehicle that was then propped up with rocks. Police do not yet know who has been stealing the tires from cars parked in front of homes and apartment complexes.

Most of the thefts occurred between 3 and 6 a.m. at apartments and neighborhoods near Interstate Highway 35 East.

Among the complexes hit were the Woodhill Apartments at 1408 Teasley Ln. and The Residence Apartments at 1800 Jason Ln.

Between November and January another five cases were reported.

"These locations are targeted because they provide easy on, easy off access," said Ryan Grelle, spokesman for the Denton Police Department. "They're right there on the freeway, so the suspects do their theft and get lost in traffic real quick."

While there is currently no description of the suspects, it is believed that they are traveling in a vehicle large enough to carry four stolen wheels, such as a sport utility vehicle or pickup truck.

The trend has yet to spread to the UNT campus.

According to Officer Jeff Arrington of the UNT Police Department, tire thefts rarely occur on campus.

Arrington also said that the high number of officers who make routine rounds through campus parking lots hinder tire thefts.

"We try to keep a very high officer presence and it's especially obvious at night," Arrington said. "That makes it difficult for thieves - not that it can't happen. I think it would surprise people how fast that can occur."

Just in case, Arrington encouraged students to take precautions to ensure that their cars would not be targeted.

"When you're out at two, three o'clock in the morning, you don't want to draw attention to yourself," Arrington said. "The same is true with a vehicle. If you have an expensive car or wheels, do what you have to do to get security, or you're basically setting yourself up."

The city department offered similar advice, though Grelle also warned that even the most secure precautions may not be enough.

"The nicer things you get, the more people are going to want it," Grelle said. "No matter how much security you have, they will find a way to take it."

Residents witnessing any suspicious activity, such as anyone changing tires early in the morning, are asked to report the incident by calling 911.