An elderly Auckland car enthusiast has likened the theft to a “stab in the heart” after his prized antique car was stolen from his home in broad daylight as the city’s crime problem worsens.
Dave Rechterer said thieves broke into his garage and took his bright red 1959 Chevrolet Corvette on April 15, just one month before he turned 80. According to KTVU.
“The car was a stick, so they knew how to drive it and took off right away,” Rechthaler said.
surveillance video Information obtained by the media indicates that two suspects approached Rechthaler’s home around 7 a.m.
One thief staggered into the garage, and the other thieves opened the door, closed it, and watched outside.
About three minutes later, the thief outside opened the garage door again and took off, and the carjacker inside walked out and took Lechtler’s $200,000 pride and joy.
“It’s like being stabbed in the heart,” Lechtler said.
Rechterer, a racer, told the outlet that since purchasing the Corvette in 2006, he has spent countless hours restoring it to “perfect factory condition.”
During that time, the 80-year-old rebuilt the car’s engine, reupholstered the seats and painted his car cherry red.
“It hurts because this is my life,” he said. “My whole life has been hot rod cars since I was 14 years old.”
He suspected the thieves had followed him from a car show in Pleasanton, about 30 miles from his home in Oakland.
Rechtler worries the two suspects who hijacked her favorite ride may never be brought to justice as crime continues to rise in the West Coast city and in some cases appears to be going unchecked. are doing.
“There’s no impact on this city. People can steal and rob,” Rechthaler said.
Vehicle thefts in Oaktown have steadily increased since 2020, according to the Oakland Police Department crime statistics.
In 2020, there were 8,700 reported car thefts, compared to about 14,700 in 2023.
According to , there have been more than 3,500 car thefts since the beginning of 2024. statistics It was released on April 15, the same day Lechtler had his prized Corvette stolen.
Lechtler implored the public to help find the Corvette and urged anyone who sees a stolen Corvette to report it to police.
“I want my car back,” he said.
