BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It seems some holiday hooligans are taking aim at people who live in Buffalo's Elmwood Village.
Two days before Christmas, Colleen Heidinger stopped by Urban Valet Dry Cleaners on Elmwood while running errands around 8 in the morning. She left the car running and ran inside the store.
"When I turned around to exit, it was long gone," said Heidinger.
Her phone, handbag and some Christmas gifts were in the car. She still does not have her car back.
"I live and die for this city, and to know that someone broke my heart, it's hard," said Heidinger.
According to Buffalo Police, somebody had messed with some tire stem valves on approximately five vehicles, causing some damage," said Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo.
And there's more.
"My van was actually broken into and then just recently...I got pranked, they just removed the tire core from the right front tire," said Michael Fiefer, who's in town from Louisiana, helping his daughter move into her new place on Ashland Ave.
Captain Rinaldo says it's the same story every year.
"We can only go based on what's been reported to us, but this time of year we do see an uptick in package thefts all over the city, that type of stuff, but as far as any targeted one area, no we haven't seen that," said Captain Rinaldo.
Heidinger and the police are still looking for her car.
It's a Green Mini Cooper with a white top and white mirrors, license plate GUA8609. If you see it or know any information, contact the Buffalo Police at 911 or the confidential tip line, 716-847-2255.
