Dozens of car break-ins reported in Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway neighborhoods

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland police are investigating 37 vehicles damaged in a coordinated series of break-ins between midnight and 5 a.m. Sunday morning in the Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway neighborhoods.

Surveillance video shows suspects bending into cars looking for items to steal. Glass now litters the ground behind Forest City Shuffleboard, where five cars were smashed.

Residents frustrated by repeat incidents

Susanne Sheil owns one of the five cars smashed behind Forest City Shuffleboard. She has lived in the neighborhood for 35 years and has had cars broken into before.

“I’ve had cars stolen so I don’t leave anything of value in my car,” Sheil said.

She expressed frustration at having to deal with the problem after leaving work. She had a message for the people who are committing these crimes.

“Just don’t do it. You know what I mean? Respect other people’s property. And if you need something, just go to work and earn your own money and get it,” Sheil said.

Police believe suspects targeting valuables and weapons

Cleveland police believe the suspects are targeting vehicles for valuables and weapons and may be using one or more vehicles or traveling on foot to commit the crimes.

Some people are now nervous about their cars after coworkers had theirs smashed.

“It sucks because like in three and a half years, I’ve never really worried about that. And now five cars in one night just feels like very extreme,” said Kayla Carman, whose coworkers had cars smashed.

Carman will now park her car on the street, hoping that will deter thieves.

“I just, I can’t risk it. I know like a lot of other people out there could probably relate to like financially right now. I cannot afford really something like that or people stealing my car even. So it’s just really stressful,” Carman said.

Police want residents and workers in the Detroit-Shoreway and Ohio City neighborhoods to check surveillance footage for anything suspicious. Anyone with video information about the break-ins should contact Cleveland Police Second District Detective Unit at (216) 623-5218.

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