San Marcos Police see rise in tire thefts

Over the past month, San Marcos Police have seen a rise in tire thefts.

SMPD has received rising reports of tires stolen from mostly Toyota, Honda and Dodge vehicles, according to Criminal Investigations Commander Kelly Bombersbach. 

“(It’s) most likely that the rims or tires or both are being sold and we’re not exactly sure where,” Bombersbach said. “We don’t have any suspects at this point. So, we’re really asking for the public’s help, being a little more aware at apartment complexes. I know it’s that time of the year where people go home, college kids go home, and maybe leave their vehicles.”

The theft reports had mostly been contained to properties on Aquarena Springs Drive and Texas State University-owned properties. But three reports Thursday night were located on the 1300 block of Conway Drive, 1400 block of Clarewood Drive and 650 River Road. 

Bombersbach said in a pair of incidents a passerby observed individuals jacking up a vehicle but police were not contacted. She added that these thefts are occurring around midnight and 6 a.m. 

“I realize many people are not out during that time frame but then many people are,” Bombersbach said. “Probably a lot of people on social media may be out during that time frame and we’d really like them to contact the police department if they’re seeing someone working on their vehicle at 3 o’clock in the morning. This is happening and it takes a little bit of time, not a whole lot, to jack up a vehicle and take four tires and rims off.”

Anyone with any information regarding stolen tires is asked to contact SMPD at 512-753-2108.

“Please, please contact the police department if you see something suspicious,” Bombersbach said. “It’s pretty odd that someone is working on a car in the middle of the night. Just kind of a heightened sense of awareness is helpful.”