One of the victimized cars. (Foxboro Police Department)
WALPOLE (WBZ-AM) -- Police in Walpole and neighboring Foxboro are warning residents to be on the lookout after an uptick in tire thefts.
Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael tells WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker the problem isn't new, but there's been a spike--with some of the thefts happening in broad daylight.
"We did have some that took place at car dealerships, apartment buildings," he said. "This year, we're starting to see an uptick in them happening in MBTA parking lots."
The most recent theft happened at the Walpole MBTA Commuter Rail lot, where a man's 22-inch pickup truck tires and rims were taken while he was away.
"A group probably came in, they did some surveillance throughout the parking lot, found a vehicle that was suitable to them, and quickly moved in," Carmichael said.
Chief Carmichael says his department is looking for help from the public.
"It's easy to look over and think that someone might just be changing their tire or something like that," he said. "If they see it, especially in a T lot or an apartment building, we'd love to have a call so we can at least go check it out."
Several communities are now working on a task force to find those responsible.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports