Recent trend I've noticed - abandoned cars without front tires

[PepperElf]

I saw one car on the side of the road with a tire off… and people running down the hill to get back to the car. Not sure why they were doing any of that but my BF pointed out that many people take the front tires off the car to prevent it from being stolen or towed while they're gone.

After that I noticed two separate cars abandoned on the side of the road, each with one - or both - front tires missing. With one of them my BF noticed that the car was also resting on the rims (not a good idea), although I couldn't see it that well from where I was sitting.

Is this a new trend or something?

I mean IIRC the tow truck can still take them - might need a flatbed, but it can still be towed. I can only guess that the drivers are hoping the towing companies just see the missing tire and say "forget it, too much work" and have plans to come back for it when they can.

bit of a pricy gamble in my opinion though.

[freeatlast]

Here in the Indianapolis area there has been a problem with the wheels and tires being stolen from cars abandoned along I-70. They say that you should have a disabled car towed immediately due to this problem.

[PepperElf]

hmm could be that too - there's a market here for used tires.