Thieves break into 30 cars in uptown parking deck; cause $10K in damage

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police are looking for thieves they said broke into 30 cars causing more than $10,000 in damages.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said the break-ins happened Saturday morning at a parking deck on West Fifth Street in uptown Charlotte near the Post Gateway Apartments.

Some of the cars were outside of a gated area and some were inside, officers said.

[ [ALSO READ: Police urge Plaza Midwood residents to amp up security after several break-ins] ]

Police said several vehicles had smashed in windows.

Officials have not released any information regarding a possible suspect.

CMPD told Channel 9 car break-ins are down four percent compared to January 2018.

Residents in the uptown apartment complex believe the break-ins in the garage could have been prevented.

A resident said, who wished not to be named, said the gate to the garage is left open and there are no security cameras.

Residents at Post Gateway Place Apartments said they are wanting to know how the property managers are planning to make the garage safer.

"We got an email saying there were break-ins and that they're doing everything they can to make it doesn't happen again," resident Heather Esposito said.

Police said the crimes spread to nearby Freedom Park Saturday night as well.

Charlotte resident Abby Healy said she and her husband were playing tennis at Freedom Park when thieves broke into her car and stole her purse.

"They had gone to Food Lion and spent $500," Healy said. "They said they had a few others a Freedom Park that same day that they were actually there talking to at the same time."

Windshield repairman Josh Burgess said around 40 percent of his calls are crime related. Burgess suggests hiding valuables, keeping doors locked, and making sure your alarm works.

CMPD told Eyewitness News Anchor Kristin Leigh that 30 car break-ins in one location is very unusual.

Property managers at the Post Gateway Apartments said they are cooperating with police and appreciate that CMPD is taking the situation seriously.

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