East Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - A case of grand larceny at an auto repair shop in East Syracuse was all Caught on Tape last week. Now, police are hoping the public can help solve the case.
"We're going to take you back to the Saturday night, around 11 at night, here at Village Auto on Manlius Street in East Syracuse. The suspects were caught on tape stealing tires from a Mustang," East Syracuse Police Chief Don Morris said.
It's clear to police that the suspects had it all planned out. As they move in to take the tires from a 1988 Mustang they operate like a NASCAR pit crew. One man loosens all the lug nuts with a tire iron and another follows behind, removing the lug nuts by hand.
They used rocks to hold up the car, as they carry the tires away one by one.
The rims are Nitto brand, worth $2,200.
"I think these individuals must have seen the vehicle, and have a vehicle similar to it," Chief Morris said. "It is unusual in its nature. There were other vehicles on the scene, but the other vehicles were not touched. They went specifically for this vehicle and removed the tires."
Judging by the way the men were hiding their faces, police believe the suspects knew there were cameras on the property.
"They obviously had a plan to accomplish, a location not easily viewed by vehicles, and blocking any officers that might have been driving by," Chief Morris said.
East Syracuse Police say they have recovered evidence at the scene. But the best clue can come from someone who recognizes the suspect in the surveillance footage.
Anyone with information about this case, or who thinks they recognize one of the suspects, is asked to call East Syracuse Police at 437-3541, extension 1.
