Over the previous month at least a dozen Turlock residents have come out of their homes to find their vehicles propped up on cinder blocks and the tires and rims stolen.

The Turlock Police department reported that since mid-February there have been 12 reports of rims and tires being stolen off vehicles overnight.

The targeted vehicles are newer models of Toyota Corollas, Toyota Camry’s, and Honda Accords with stock sport rims and tires. Of the 12 reported incidents, six have occurred in apartment complex parking lots.

The Turlock Police Department wants to make the community aware of this trend and to help those with these types of vehicles to know what they can do to help prevent their rims and tires being stolen:

• Install video surveillance

• Park in a well-lit area

• If you have a garage, park inside at night

• Utilize locking lug-nuts

• Be sure to lock and alarm your vehicle

• Lastly, communicate with your neighbors and look out for one another if you notice something suspicious

As always, please report suspicious activity or in-progress crimes that are occurring to the Turlock Police Dispatch at (209) 668-1200. If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch Program in your neighborhood, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Erika Grace at egrace@turlock.ca.us

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.