Residents in the Capitol Beach area are on alert after a series of car theft attempts early Wednesday morning. “It appears the steering column was compromised to try and star the vehicle,” says LPD Captain Todd Kocian. “For several of these it did not work, but the owner still sustained damage to the vehicle.”
Kocian says Kia and Hyundai models were targeted. The crime spree began near NW 8th and West. “S” Street with the attempted theft of a Hyundai Accent. There was $500 in damage. While officers were checking the they found a Kia Rio a block away with its windows down and damage to the ignition area.
After contacting the owner police determined it has been stolen in northeast Lincoln during the night. As officers continued to investigate, police say a 2013 Hyundai Elantra was stolen from the neighborhood and has yet to be found.
The other four auto theft attempts resulted in significant damage. Police say one Kia and one Hyundai each had more than $1,000 in damage.