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Side-View Mirror Thieves Plague NYC, Westchester

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Nov 28, 2007 7:35 pm US/Eastern

Side-View Mirror Thieves Plague NYC, Westchester

Why They Make Off With The Glass Is Anyone's Guess

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: More than 30 people awoke Wednesday to find their side view mirrors ripped off their cars in Greenburgh. (File)
CBS

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It is a baffling crime that is begging the question: lucrative thievery or just plain vandalism?

More than two dozen residents at the Halston condominiums near Tarrytown awoke to find their side-view mirrors -- glass only -- were ripped off of their vehicles.

In New York City, the NYPD says mirror thefts have become a problem in recent months, especially in Queens.

One of the victims from Wednesday's side-view spree, James Quinn, was about to hop in his PT Cruiser when CBS 2's Tony Aiello pointed out that both side mirrors were gone.

"I wouldn't have known if you didn't tell me, I would have when I took off," Quinn admitted.

Quinn's reaction was repeated many times over by the other 30+ victims.

"I just put my hands to my head, said I can't believe this happened here! It is unbelievable," said another victim, Solange Velez.

There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the makes and models that were targeted. Hondas, Chryslers, Mazdas and Cadillacs all had their side view mirrors ripped right off.

Greenburgh police believe the motive was money.

"I believe there is a value to these mirrors individually and we'll certainly be looking into that. They probably take them and then sell them," said Greenburgh Capt. Joseph DeCarlo.

At Bucci Auto, co-owner Nino Bucci told CBS 2 that while some replacement mirrors sell for big bucks, most sell for less than $30. He can't imagine thieves targeting just the glass part of the mirror.

"I think someone just went crazy and wanted to break glasses out of the car," said Bucci.

Thievery or vandalism, whatever the case, residents now face the hassle of repairs and being stopped by police for not having a side-view mirror. To help avoid the latter, police gave victims cards to show officers that will help them avoid the insult of a ticket after injury to their vehicles.

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