As of Monday morning, Cleveland police confirm there have been at least 10 reports of car break-ins in the area.
CLEVELAND — Police are investigating following a rash of car break-ins in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood.
During the weekend, a number of cars fell victim to vandalism with smashed windows and damaged property. A concerned 3News viewer shared footage from her Ring camera capturing a group of men in a white Mercedes-Benz SUV driving along Montrose Avenue. This incident occurred on the same night when her father’s Jeep was targeted, resulting in a smashed window, a damaged cell phone, and items being stolen.
Following this, the viewer reported that her security camera recorded the same group of individuals roaming the neighborhood between 2 and 4 a.m. on Saturday. The Cleveland police, by Monday, had received reports of at least 10 car break-ins in the vicinity.
Neighbors tell 3News they’ve had enough.
In response to these events, Larry Varney expressed his concerns, saying, “Stop it somehow. I don’t know how, but you can’t have your car on the street.” He emphasized the need for increased patrols in the area to prevent such incidents from occurring frequently.
Ward 17 City Councilman Charles Slife says he’s asked Cleveland police officers to step up patrols and they’re trying to track the thieves, using a method that’s worked in the past.Â
“We did this a couple of years ago of using their spotlights, which helps increase visibility if someone is hiding or something,” Slife said in an interview. “It also kind of lets residents know, and it’s obvious to them that the police are out and about.”Â
The Cleveland Division of Police sent us the following statement:
“The Cleveland Division of Police First District is actively addressing recent car break-ins in the West Park area. Officers are working to identify hot spots and are launching a strategic response, including increased foot and vehicle patrols, as well as covert investigations.Â
“District leadership … is also working with community stakeholders and council members, to address concerns and implement preventive measures.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we remind residents: ‘If you see something, say something.’“
