Strathmore family has tires stolen off SUV in the driveway, addresses safety concerns in the city

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It was like something out of a movie for a family living in Syracuse’s Strathmore neighborhood when they found their car’s tires gone and left on resting on bricks.

It started as a relaxing Sunday morning until the Kucera family came out, and found their SUV in the driveway without the tires.

Latest local news

• Henninger alum and Syracuse Police Officer explains his basketball journey to becoming Henninger head coach
• CNY school districts adjusting schedule due to upcoming heat
• Multiple illnesses affecting pets at SPCA of NNY
• Feels and looks good for Father’s Day weekend!
• Saturday’s grilling and car wash forecast

“We’ve lived here for 16 years and nothing like this has ever happened,” said Kamrin Kucera, the owner of the vehicle.

All four tires ripped off their SUV, but nothing else was taken.

“We have caught kids as young as six years old trying to rummage through our cars,” Kucera said. “We’ve been able to intercept and stop them. But not anything this severe.”

The Syracuse Police Department doesn’t believe this is a trend going on around the city, but they did share some advice to keep your vehicle safe.

“Bring your car in if you have a driveway, put on flood lights that come on automatically. The crooks aren’t going to do want to do it with a bright light on them,” said Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile. “Try to watch out. We’ll do our part and drive around but they are extremely quick.”

Kucera took to social media to let people know what happened.

“We’ve gotten quite a response. I’m a little overwhelmed with how much people have to say about it,” she said. “Which makes me know that it is a real issue that Syracuse city citizens are facing and it needs to be addressed.”

So maybe others don’t fall victim like the Kucera’s.

The family tells us that her car is currently being repaired.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Syracuse police at 315-442-5222.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.