Minneapolis residents are facing growing frustration and financial loss as a wave of car break-ins continues to spread across the city and its suburbs. Police say more than 580 cars have been broken into since mid-July, and while three juveniles are now in custody, the problem is far from over.
The most recent incidents happened overnight from Monday into Tuesday, when more than 100 cars were vandalized across Minneapolis neighborhoods and surrounding communities. For many residents, the morning was spent sweeping glass and tallying damage.
Will Ackerman, who lives in the Linden Hills neighborhood, described the scene outside his home near 41st and Vincent. “You can’t really drive when they’re breaking the windows of your cars,” he said. His grandmother, who also lives nearby, was also a victim. “This is a lot of cars, a lot of damage,” she added.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the numbers during a press briefing. “Stopping this problem has been one of our top priorities,” he said. “We have recovered two stolen vehicles we believe were used during the break-ins, and we currently have three juveniles in custody.” Police believe the suspects are part of a larger group of young people targeting cars across the metro.
The crime spree, which began around July 15, has not been limited to Minneapolis. Neighboring cities have also been hit hard. In Bloomington, 40 cars were smashed in one night at the Great Wolf Lodge parking lot. Police in Edina have arrested six suspects in similar cases. Investigators now believe multiple groups of juveniles are responsible for the widespread damage, working separately but using similar tactics.
Despite the recent arrests, law enforcement officials admit that holding suspects accountable is not easy. Chief O’Hara explained that prosecutors need strong evidence linking an individual to each specific break-in, which makes the process time-consuming. “In order to have a case against someone for one particular vehicle, we have to be able to prove a specific person damaged a specific car,” he said. That means police must carefully investigate hundreds of separate reports, each requiring its own documentation and evidence.
The task is overwhelming for both officers and residents. Each break-in leaves victims dealing with broken glass, stolen items, and repair costs. For many, the emotional impact is just as significant as the financial loss. “It happens everywhere, but I didn’t think it would happen here,” said Berde Ackerman, one of the victims.
Community members are being urged to help police by reporting suspicious activity immediately. Chief O’Hara emphasized that quick reporting can make a difference. “If you see or hear something, call 911 right away,” he said. “The faster we can respond, the better chance we have of catching those responsible.”
For now, Minneapolis remains on edge as police continue their investigations. With hundreds of vehicles already damaged in just over a month, the car break-in spree has become one of the city’s most pressing public safety concerns. While some suspects have been arrested, the search continues for others still at large.
Residents, meanwhile, are left to cope with the aftermath—cleaning up shattered glass, repairing broken windows, and hoping their cars won’t be next.
