An 80-year-old Oakland car enthusiast had his beloved 1959 Chevrolet Corvette stolen from his home in a daring daytime theft, comparing the loss to a “stab in the heart.” Dave Lechthaler, a racer, had spent years restoring the antique vehicle to perfection, making it his pride and joy. In April, surveillance video captured two thieves breaking into his garage and driving off with the $200,000 Corvette. Lechthaler was devastated by the loss, as he had poured his heart and soul into the car since purchasing it in 2006.
The thieves stole the car in a calculated and coordinated effort, with one suspect entering the garage while the other kept watch outside. Within minutes, the car was driven out of the garage and away from the scene. Lechthaler, who has been passionate about hot rod cars since he was 14 years old, felt the loss deeply as the Corvette held significant sentimental value to him. He suspected that the thieves had targeted him after seeing him at a car show in a nearby city and then following him home.
Lechthaler’s experience is just one of many incidents of vehicle theft in Oakland, where crime rates have been steadily rising since 2020. The Oakland Police Department reported over 14,700 motor vehicle thefts in 2023, a significant increase from 8,700 reported in 2020. The trend has continued into 2024, with over 3,500 motor vehicle thefts reported since the beginning of the year. Lechthaler expressed frustration at the lack of consequences for criminals in the city, leading to a sense of lawlessness in some cases.
Despite the rising crime rates, Lechthaler remains hopeful that his Corvette will be recovered and returned to him. He has pleaded with the public to be on the lookout for his stolen vehicle and to contact the police if they have any information about its whereabouts. For Lechthaler, the Corvette represents more than just a car – it embodies his lifelong passion for hot rod cars and the countless hours he has dedicated to restoring it to its former glory. The loss of the Corvette has been a devastating blow to him, but he remains determined to do whatever it takes to get it back.
As the search for the stolen Corvette continues, Lechthaler is faced with the reality that the thieves may never be caught and brought to justice. The feeling of helplessness in the face of rising crime rates in Oakland has left him feeling uncertain about the future. However, his love for hot rod cars and his determination to recover his cherished Corvette serve as a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit. Despite the challenges he faces, Lechthaler remains hopeful that his car will be found and returned to him, allowing him to once again enjoy the thrill of the open road in his beloved antique vehicle.
