In a display of vigilance, a victim of auto theft in the Whittier neighborhood took matters into her own hands, successfully locating her stolen Kia and alerting authorities. According to a Facebook post by the Minneapolis Police Department, the woman's call promptly resulted in the apprehension of two teenagers, aged 16 and 14, by officers from the Fifth Precinct early this morning.
The duo was caught in the act, attempting to heist a Hyundai at the corner of Clinton Ave. and E 24th St. when police swooped in. The older teenager was nabbed at the crime scene, while his younger accomplice tried to make a run for it, only to be caught following a brief foot pursuit. Inside the Hyundai, authorities found evidence of the trade—ignitions stripped and car theft tools laid bare. It turns out, that the 16-year-old is no stranger to the criminal justice system, having been arrested by the MPD "at least six times for crimes ranging from carjacking to robbery," the department revealed.
The Minneapolis Police Department has leveraged this incident to issue a warning and provide advice to local drivers. In particular, Kia and Hyundai owners are urged to take extra precautions due to a spate of thefts targeting these models. They've recommended the installation of any available security upgrades and suggest using physical deterrents such as steering wheel locks to detract would-be thieves. "Remember to always lock your vehicle and never leave your keys inside your car," the MPD advised, implicitly acknowledging the growing audacity and skill of car thieves targeting their city.
