An elderly Oakland car enthusiast’s beloved vintage car was stolen from his home in broad daylight amidst the city’s crime issues, leaving him feeling devastated.
Dave Lechthaler recounted how thieves broke into his garage and took his vibrant red 1959 Chevrolet Corvette on April 15, just a month before his 80th birthday, as reported by KTVU.
“They knew how to drive the car because it was a stick and they just drove right out,” Lechthaler said.
Surveillance video footage obtained by the media outlet showed two suspects approaching Lechthaler’s residence around 7 a.m.
One of the thieves managed to get into the garage while the other accomplice held the door open, closed it, and kept a lookout outside.
Approximately three minutes later, the thief outside reopened the garage door, and they both fled the scene with Lechthaler’s prized $200,000 car.
“It’s like a stab in the heart,” Lechthaler expressed.
Lechthaler, a racing enthusiast, shared that he had dedicated numerous hours to restoring the Corvette to its original glory since purchasing it in 2006.
Over the years, the 80-year-old had rebuilt the car’s engine, reupholstered the seats, and given it a fresh coat of cherry red paint.
“It hurts because it’s my life,” he lamented. “My entire life has revolved around hot rod cars since I was 14 years old.”
Lechthaler suspected that the thieves had followed him from a car show in Pleasanton, located approximately 30 miles from his Oakland home.
He expressed concerns that the culprits responsible for stealing his favorite car might never face justice, given the escalating crime rates in Oakland, with some cases seemingly going unchecked.
“There are no consequences in this city. People can steal and rob,” Lechthaler remarked.
According to crime statistics from the Oakland Police Department, vehicle thefts in Oakland have been steadily increasing since 2020.
There were approximately 8,700 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2020, compared to around 14,700 reported in 2023.
As of the beginning of 2024, there have been over 3,500 motor vehicle thefts, as per statistics released on April 15 – the same day Lechthaler’s Corvette was stolen.
Lechthaler made a public appeal for assistance in locating his Corvette, urging anyone who spots his stolen vehicle to contact the authorities.
“I want my car back,” he emphasized.
