CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A series of bizarre and highly dangerous vehicle tamperings has left residents on high alert along a busy Circleville corridor, following a targeted theft and a rash of loosened lug nuts discovered on Sunday night.
A local resident reached out to share details of the disturbing incident, which occurred on High Street, directly across from the local cemetery and a nearby disability services facility.
The victim woke up Monday morning to find that thieves had completely stolen an entire wheel off her vehicle. However, the situation quickly escalated from a standard property crime to a major public safety hazard as the family inspected their other vehicles and spoke with neighbors.
“Someone stole my whole wheel, and they loosened up my husband’s lug nuts,” the resident stated. “My friend down the street—their lug nuts were loose too.”
In total, at least three vehicle owners in the immediate area reported finding dangerously loose lug nuts on their wheels on Monday morning. Additionally, neighbors noted a vehicle crash just down the street on Sunday night, where an unknown driver reportedly struck a parked truck, though it remains unclear if that incident is mechanically linked to the tampering.
The targeted vehicles were parked along High Street. The victim noted that while they do not currently have home security cameras, she is actively working with the neighboring disability facility to review their surveillance footage in hopes of identifying a suspect or vehicle.
Local motorists, particularly those who park on the street in the High Street and cemetery vicinity, are being strongly urged to visually check their wheels and ensure their lug nuts are secure before driving.
“I’m worried someone is gonna get killed,” the resident warned. “They are gonna end up killing someone if they keep this up.”
Anyone with home security footage from the High Street area captured late Sunday night, or anyone with information regarding the wheel theft, is asked to contact the Circleville Police Department.
