Minneapolis police give warning after dozens of vehicles broken into over 3-day span
Police are searching for the culprits behind dozens of car break-ins around parts of Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Police Department says the break-ins happened overnight on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the First and Second precincts, including northeast Minneapolis, south Minneapolis, parts of Marcy-Holmes and Uptown.
One detail about the break-ins stands out: the thieves avoided taking cash left in the vehicles.
Instead, victims said the thieves took IDs, insurance cards and rummaged through mail. Sensitive information, leaving behind cash and other valuables, the unusual pattern has raised questions about the motivations behind the thefts.
In the neighborhoods affected by the break-ins, residents are still reeling from the overnight commotion.
"Yesterday morning, we were all just looking at the damage," said Logan Park resident Barry Kennedy. "It's disappointing – I'll say that."
Ella Engels, who moved to the area in May, said she is considering breaking her lease and moving out of the area.
"My buddy who just dropped me off had his car broken into twice," said Engels. "They opened all the glove boxes. You think they would take the change would be the most valuable thing."
The following areas were affected by break-ins, according to Minneapolis police:
- Clifton Place / Groveland Avenue
- Harmon Place / 13th Street South
- Spruce Place / 14th Street West
- Lasalle Avenue / Spruce Place
- 1300 block of Industrial Boulevard
- 3300 block of Broadway Street Northeast
- 600 block of 24th Avenue Northeast
- 12th Avenue Northeast / Main Street Northeast
- Third Avenue Northeast / Second Street Southeast
Police say if your vehicle was damaged or broken into recently to report it immediately by either calling 911 or 311. Reports can also be made in person at your nearest precinct or online.
Anyone who lives in one of the areas where the break-ins occurred is encouraged to check any security cameras or doorbell cameras that may have captured the incidents. If you find footage that may be related, police say to call 911 or 311, or to go to your nearest precinct to provide the footage to investigators.
To prevent vehicle damage and break-ins, police say to report suspicious activity near vehicles to 911 immediately and to provide a description of individuals, including any license plates of any vehicles involved, and the direction of travel of those involved.
People are encouraged to park in well-lit and busy areas, to always take their keys with them and to hide or take valuables with them, such as phones, bags or electronics.
