Victims of downtown break-ins address problems
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – As temperatures rise, so does crime and neighbors across downtown are already falling victim. Small thefts are making for big headaches.
With just a quick glance at the Nextdoor app, an application connecting people who live in the same neighborhood, it’s easy to find dozens of posts within the last week from downtown neighbors reporting car or home break-ins.
Many neighbors we spoke to are cutting power to garage doors at night and even installing 24-hour security cameras.
24-Hour News 8 went out into the neighborhoods to speak to victims and find out what they think needs to be done to prevent things from getting worse.
Julie Rhodes had her home broken into this week.
“One of our kind neighbors came and secured the door for us last night,” said Rhodes as she pointed out her boarded up front door.
In Cottage Home, on the city’s near east side, Rhodes, her husband and ten year-old son came home to a busted front door, stolen electronics and the invasion of privacy on Wednesday.
“I’m really frustrated that people can walk into your home, see your family photos, my child’s toys and take our things!” said Rhodes.
In broad daylight, at least one person busted through triple-pane safety glass and carried the items through a double deadbolt, reinforced steel door. Luckily the Rhodes have insurance and keep updated records like possession documentation and serial numbers. And they think their yellow lab Callahan forced the thieves to keep it quick.
“So, I think we’ll always have a big dog,” said Rhodes.
Across town in Kennedy King near 19th Street and Central Avenue someone broke into Kate Tucker’s car Sunday.
“So, the glass was shattered everywhere throughout the back seat, there was even glass in my driver’s seat,” said Tucker.
All Tucker had in her car was a jacket and the old Meijer ad from last week. Nothing was taken.
“And actually the officer I spoke to let me know that two other incidents had occurred,” Tucker said.
Now, Rhodes and Tucker question what they could have done differently. Everything was locked, lights were on and valuables were out of sight.
“It does sort of shake us a little bit but it also reminds us that we need to be looking out for each other,” said Rhodes.
Something that she and Tucker agree can be the most valuable tool neighbors have. These are just two of many stories. If you haven’t already, IMPD recommends downloading the Nextdoor app and getting involved in your neighborhood association. Nextdoor is free and lets users immediately get tapped in to their specific communities.
IMPD officers say do not hesitate to report suspicious activity because that’s what they’re here for. The non-emergency number is 327-3811.
