By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that Central Florida has experienced a notable increase in car rim thefts since January 2025?
Various Florida police agencies are reporting a sharp rise in incidents including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) which has specifically warned drivers about the spike, highlighting that Toyota Camrys and Corollas are frequently targeted, especially when parked overnight in apartment complexes.
It appears that Florida is not alone. Since February of 2023, the Washington DC area has also experienced a spike in stolen rims off cars as well as carjackings. The rate of car thefts in Florida has also been rising since 2022.
To protect vehicles, OCSO recommends parking in well-lit areas near security cameras and using rim locks, which are described as a cost-effective deterrent. The highest rate of rim thefts tends to be around holidays and that certain rims are more valuable and therefore more likely to be stolen. Rim locks, particularly factory-made ones, are emphasized as effective in making theft more difficult.
Additionally, Cars.com recommends that you take five specific steps to prevent wheel thefts;
- If you don’t have a garage, try to find parking on a busier street with more traffic and a heavier pedestrian presence. Criminals prefer to work under the veil of night and with the added confidence that no one will walk by.
- Use wheel locking devices.
- Park your vehicle as close to the curb as possible. This will help deter thieves because parking close to the curb makes it more difficult to steal your rim.
- Purchase and install a car alarm with sensors attached to the wheels. The sensors will go off if the wheels are tampered with.
Talk with your neighbors. Develop bonds with people who live near you to increase odds of someone witnessing something unusual and calling police.