Another garage break-in frustrates Pelham Parkway residents
This is the latest in a series of similar break-ins reported this month in the area.
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A string of garage break-ins in Pelham Parkway continues to frustrate residents, with the latest incident leaving 15 cars vandalized inside a Barnes Avenue garage.
"You can see they left the middle compartment open, the glove compartment is open. You’re just like, why me?," said Bradley Santana, one of the victims. His car was among those targeted, with shattered windows and belongings rummaged through.
This is the latest in a series of similar break-ins reported this month in the area. According to residents, the pattern has been consistent: cars broken into, windows smashed and compartments emptied, but with no significant items stolen.
"A lot of us noticed nothing was taken," said Amy, another resident. "We’re just assuming he’s after money because everything else is still there. One person's iPods were on the seat another had an iPhone still there."
Police are investigating this break-in and its possible connection to another recent incident just blocks away at a garage on Thwaites Place. In that case, 23 cars were vandalized.
News 12 received a surveillance image of the suspect, though authorities have not confirmed if it’s the same person linked to the earlier crimes.
"You feel violated," said Peter Morello, a co-op resident. "Once someone’s in the garage, they’re in the building."
Many residents News 12 say the break-ins reflect a larger problem in the neighborhood that's ongoing.
"Three weeks ago, they tried to steal my tire when I was parked outside," said Kamarla Gordon. "So now, I only park in here—and then this happens."
"Every time I’ve parked outside, I’ve had my wheels stolen or my window broken," said Amy
Repair crews were seen replacing the damaged windows at the Barnes Avenue garage, but the cost of the repairs is falling on the car owners.
Despite their frustration, residents say they still prefer parking inside garages rather than risking even worse vandalism on the street.
Police are asking anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
