LOS FELIZ—A Los Feliz man has been the latest victim in what authorities believe may be an organized ring of thieves targeting classic cars.
Joseph Afifi’s fully-restored 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible was simply driven off by thieves in broad daylight at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, January 10. The thieves barged their way through the metal gates in front of Afifi’s house with a sport utility vehicle, spray painted over his security cameras, and then made off with the bright red and white car parked in his garage.
Afifi, who refers to the car as “his baby,” states that the car is worth around $100,000.
Similar heists have occurred over the past year in the Los Angeles area. Shadow Hills resident Laraine Lisa had her 1957 Chevy Bel Air valued at over $150,000 stolen from her home in early December. The car, which has been the recipient of dozens of awards at trade shows and featured in magazines and TV shows, was stolen shortly after Lisa left her home.
Another 1957 Chevy was stolen from a Reseda repair shop last July. Two 1959 Chevy Impalas, one in Chatsworth and another in Glendale, were stolen just weeks apart last year as well.
Afifi is hopeful that the public can assist in bringing back his car, which he says took years to restore.
