Dozens of wheels and tires were stolen from vehicles at the Apple Sport Ford in Marlin on Friday.
According to Apple Sport Owner Sam Sinno, the car dealership's general manager received a call from the Marlin Police Department around 6 a.m. on Saturday about the theft of wheels and tires at their lot. Some of the cars, which were left on blocks, had some damage after the crime occurred.
"We feel like it's nothing local, whether it's Marlin, Falls County or even in Central Texas. We think it's a bigger scale than that," Sinno said.
Sinno said most of the 30 cars impacted by the theft were new. Early estimates indicate the value of the stolen items totaled $100,000.
Marlin Police Chief Michael Pesses said the crime is uncommon for Marlin.
"It is unusual. We are a rural community but it wouldn't be the first time that these crews have gone to areas that you wouldn't think it would happen," Pesses said.
The police department is investigating the crime, which has happened in other areas of Texas before.
"This is a type of thing that has happened across the state in other cities. Unfortunately, they came to Marlin and we will do our best to get to the bottom of it," Pesses said.
To prevent this from happening again, Sinno plans to add security cameras, a gate, additional lights and wheel locks on the cars.
"The people were pros. I don't know if any of that would've kept it from happening. We are just hoping to deter them," Sinno said.
Apple Sport Ford will order new tires and fix the minor damages in some of the vehicles. Employees are also taking pictures of the damage to submit to their insurance company. In addition, the business plans to keep the pictures to show customers interested in buying the cars that sustained some damage.
On Monday, the Falls County Sheriff's Office announced it is assisting the Marlin Police Department with the investigation.
Falls County Sheriff Ricky Scaman said the Falls County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the apprehension of those responsible for the thefts.
"I have been in touch with the Marlin Police Department Chief Michael Pesses with regards to the tire and wheel thefts from the Apple Sport Ford in Marlin, the Sheriff's Office will be joining in on the investigation and assisting," Scaman said.
If you have any information about the crime, contact the Falls County Crime Stoppers at 254-883-0332.
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