After 2-month lull, Minneapolis hit by resurgence in smash-and-grab vehicle vandalism, theft

After a two-month lull, Minneapolis has seen a significant resurgence of parked vehicles being targeted for smash-and-grab break-ins.

From last Thursday through Monday, police received reports of 124 instances of vandalism, with windows shattered and wallets and other valuables at times stolen, police said Wednesday. The latest wave occurred throughout the city.

Police said the highest concentrations were near E. 35th Street and 24th Avenue S. (30 vehicles), W. 25th Street and Girard Avenue S. (12), the 900 block of 27th Avenue S. (10), and 31st Avenue S. and E. Franklin Avenue (9).

Nine vehicles were also reported damaged Friday on the North Side. A 911 caller from a home in the 3500 block of Irving Avenue N. reported seeing four teenagers — two males and two females — breaking into her vehicle before they got away before police arrived, according to a police report released Thursday to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Another three vehicles were damaged outside the University of Minnesota’s family housing complex on 27th Avenue SE., according to city and campus police.

The uptick peaked on Monday with 70 vehicles damaged, according to police.

Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the latest burst of vehicle vandalism and thefts.

“I kept my distance,” said the man, who asked not to be named out of concern for his safety. “I didn’t know if they had a gun or anything.”

He said the driver’s side window of his 22-year-old Cadillac SUV, which he uses for work as an electrician for the city, was obliterated and his Versace sunglasses stolen.

At one point, he said, he threw the bat at them, and he thinks the clinking of the metal on the pavement sent them fleeing.

Back on Aug. 19, three vehicle vandalism suspects — boys ages 15, 16 and 17 — were arrested in north Minneapolis and have since been charged with motor vehicle tampering and fleeing on foot.

For several weeks until mid-August, more than 500 cars were broken into in various neighborhoods. In many cases, the damage has taken place on the streets next to apartment buildings, townhouses or condos.

“MPD investigators are following clear leads to determine possible connections to the damage to motor vehicle sprees,” police spokesman Trevor Folke said Wednesday.

Police said it’s important to call them as soon as possible and report the following information: clothing descriptions of those involved; any vehicles they may arrive or leave in, including license plates; and location or direction of travel.

If your vehicle was damaged or broken into recently, police say to report it immediately by calling 911 or 311. You can also report it in person at your nearest precinct or file an online report.