Res. No. 456
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.2747, legislation to require motor vehicle and motor cycle tires and rims to bear a permanent serial number.
By Council Members Cabrera and Yeger
Whereas, Legislation has been introduced in the New York State Legislature by Assembly Member Michael Miller, A.2747, which would require motor vehicle and motor cycle tires and rims to bear a permanent serial number; and
Whereas, Due to the absence of serial numbers, police are unable to identify stolen tires and rims and return them to their rightful owners because they cannot be traced to any specific vehicle or owner; and
Whereas, Short of being caught red-handed in the act of stealing tires or rims, offenders cannot be prosecuted; and
Whereas, Tire and rim theft is a recurring problem in areas of New York City; and
Whereas, According to a December 12, 2017, Bronx News 12 report, police said that wheel thefts have been on the rise in areas of Riverdale in the Bronx, requiring police to increase patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles in an effort to thwart thefts; and
Whereas, According to an April 1, 2018, CBS local news report, a rash of stolen tires have been reported in the Queens neighborhoods of Astoria, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst since February 2018, targeting newer Honda Accords, Acura MDXs and Toyota Camrys because of their stylized wheels; and
Whereas, A car can be stripped in a matter of minutes and preventative measures such as wheel locks are not always effective; and
Whereas, According to the sponsor of A.2747, requiring serial numbers on tires and rims is a common sense measure that would provide evidence for police to arrest and prosecute offenders; and
Whereas, Serial numbers on tires and rims may also serve as a theft deterrent that enhances security for drivers and car owners who wish to park their vehicles on New York City streets; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.2747, legislation to require motor vehicle and motor cycle tires and rims to bear a permanent serial number.
LS #2910
PLS
4/19/18