Updated at 9:40 a.m. Oct. 18
VOLGA – The Brookings County Sheriff's Office has had numerous reports of individuals loosening or removing the lug nuts on cars in the Volga area, the sheriff’s office reported Saturday.
“Before driving anywhere, please take a moment to check the lug nuts on your vehicles!” a Facebook post on the sheriff’s office page advised Volga area residents.
Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring said he wasn’t aware of loosened lug nuts resulting in any accidents in Brookings County as of midday Saturday, but said someone unknowingly driving a vehicle with a tire that’s not properly secured could have dangerous and even deadly consequences.
"Multiple residents reported finding lugs nuts had either been loosened or removed from their vehicles while parked in their driveways. This action is believed to be part of a TikTok challenge which includes juveniles taking videos of this challenge and posting it to the app. The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to check their private security systems and TikTok for any information related to these incidents," Sebring said Monday morning.
The damage was reported at 11:08 a.m. Saturday.
It’s illegal to tamper with a vehicle, and those who do so could face criminal charges, Sebring added.
Anyone with any information about these incidents can contact the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office at 605-696-8300 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by visiting www.brookingsareacrimestoppers.com or by calling 605-692-STOP (7867).
