I'm actually surprised this doesn't happen much more often.
Criminals who would steal wheels off a car, don't like or respect cops, and taking the wheels greatly reduces their ability to chase after you (I presume you have vehicle of your own to throw your stolen tires in the back of. They're kind of heavy otherwise).
Laredo Texas....lots of crime, lots of gangs, lots of drugs. The cops can't keep up and they have to deal with both US and Mexican criminals since they are a border town. The cops there just keep fighting a losing battle.
Criminals who would steal wheels off a car, don't like or respect cops, and taking the wheels greatly reduces their ability to chase after you (I presume you have vehicle of your own to throw your stolen tires in the back of. They're kind of heavy otherwise).