By Tim Reid Anchor/Reporter
Tim Reid News 3 on your side
Tim Reid News 3 on your side
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Stumble It!Police in Russell County are investigating what they're calling a major tire theft ring. Authorities say several businesses in both Phenix City and Columbus were the victims of a scam after crooks bought tires with bad checks. Business owner Larry Neal was one of those victims, he owns Neal Brothers Tires in Columbus. In September he got a phone call from someone who claimed they needed new truck tires for an 18 wheeler. Neal sent his team out to deliver 16 tires worth nearly 400 dollars each. After selling the tires to that person, the forged check later bounced. “We were sucked into a trap, a bad situation. We're just going to be more careful especially with people from out of town that you don't know or don't have any roots to” Neal said. A similar situation happened in Phenix City to Bobby Mathews who owns Wholesale Tire Distributors on Crawford road. Mathews says in the future he will be more cautious with roadside dealings when helping people. “Be very leary of it, I know we'll never do it again unless they bring in cash money” Mathews said. Investigators from the Russell County Sheriff's office arrested Travis Webster, 25 years old and charged him with theft. Police believe he was involved in all of the cases and is connected to the tire theft ring from Montgomery. Investigators say they expect to make at least two to three more arrests in this case. Several different police agencies are working together to solve this two state tire theft ring. The Russell and Lee County Sheriff's offices are working together with the Montgomery Alabama Police
Department. News Three is on your side with some tips from police on how to protect yourself and your business from scam artists. First, don't accept personal checks. Only take credit cards or cash. Second, if you suspect the person you're dealing with is questionable, always call Police. And never provide roadside tire service for transactions worth large amounts of money.
