Neighbors on Indianapolis' southeast side woke up Sunday to a rude surprise: shattered glass, rifled-through interiors and a long list of missing items after an overnight streak of car break-ins that hit dozens of vehicles across Franklin Township and parts of Greenwood. By mid-morning, families were out in driveways sweeping up glass while detectives started knocking on doors.
Surveillance video from the neighborhood appears to show at least one person carrying a firearm during some of the break-ins, and investigators say the suspects may be armed. IMPD's southeast district has opened an investigation and is asking anyone with doorbell or security footage from late Saturday night into early Sunday morning to share what they captured, as reported by WISH-TV.
Neighbors describe the spree
Residents told WISH-TV the crew moved methodically through the Ashland Pointe subdivision near E. Thompson Road and Five Points Road, then later into the Sapphire Ridge area near Five Points Road and Edgewood Avenue. Jacob Gill said his security footage "appears to show a person carrying a firearm," and neighbor Will Makker estimated about four homes were hit around 2:30 a.m., according to the station.
Police response and how to help
IMPD's southeast district is leading the investigation and said it has not made any arrests. Officers are urging residents to review their home security systems for anything suspicious from the overnight hours and to send any relevant clips to detectives. Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana is also taking tips at 317-262-8477, according to WRTV.
How neighbors can protect themselves
Police and local reporters are reminding residents to lock car doors, stash valuables out of sight and park in well-lit areas whenever possible. Anyone who finds footage that might show suspects or suspicious vehicles is urged to save the clips and contact investigators or Crime Stoppers right away.
Detectives continue canvassing affected neighborhoods and reviewing video as they try to piece together the crew's path. Residents with any additional information can contact IMPD's southeast district or call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477.
