A New Jersey man is due in town court for allegedly stealing tires and rims from a car parked at the Culinary Institute of America. Jasel Ventura, 19, was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, both felonies.

About 5 a.m. Hyde Park police responded to a report of criminal mischief at the CIA. Police said security at the CIA, while patrolling, discovered a vehicle had been raised up on blocks and had its wheel and tire package removed. Security tapes were checked and police were able to identify Ventura, locate him and take him into custody without incident.

Over the last couple of years the rate of tire and rim theft has increased dramatically. “Look at NASCAR. They do it in eight seconds,” said Det. Sgt. Lucy Graziano of the Nassau County police crimes-against-property squad, explaining that a coordinated team of thieves can remove four wheels pretty quickly.

Police say targeted cars have included Hondas, Infinitis and Nissans. The stolen wheels, which can cost $5,000 or more to replace, aren’t particularly high-end or specialized. The authorities have taken note of the brazenness of the thieves, who usually work overnight, leaving owners to wake up to find their vehicles propped up on concrete blocks.

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