CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it's increasing patrols in South End after thieves targeted vehicles parked in and around three popular residential complexes.
Officers were called to the Spectrum apartment complex off of Hawkins Street early Thursday morning.
Eight cars were broken into around 3:30 a.m., according to police reports.
"My back window was all blown out and there are still some nicks on the side where they tried to pry it out," said Brandon Martin who lives at the complex. "There was broken glass all inside my truck."
Residents of Spectrum received an email from management warning them of what they're now calling a trend.
"I'm hearing they were looking for guns so they didn't take steal anything from my truck. They tore through a bag full of clothes that I was going to take to Goodwill," said Martin.
CMPD said it would be too early to speculate if the thieves were looking for guns or weapons. Investigators confirmed they're working with other complexes targeted by thieves, including the Village of South End and the Ashton.
Management of the Ashton told Channel 9 thieves broke into about a dozen vehicles parked in its parking garage last week.
"We're not sure how the thieves are getting in right now," said Andrew White, who is a manager at the complex.
The entrance and exit to the parking garage at the Ashton are gated.
"We're working with CMPD and also plan to add another employee to work third shift and monitor the area," said White.
CMPD said it's too early to say if the break-ins are all related or were committed by the same individuals.
Some residents are on edge in South End after several people were robbed at gunpoint on South Tryon Street around midnight Thursday.
"It makes me nervous," said Skylar Powers who lives in South End.
"I hope they catch those responsible soon," said Martin.
The cases remain under investigation.
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