PHOTOS: Cleveland police looking for persons of interest in string of vehicle break-ins on west side

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Cleveland police on Friday released a more than a dozen photos showing people they think may be connected to a recent string of vehicle break-ins in the city.

Residents in and around Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood told FOX 8 News last month they’re frustrated that more isn’t being done to protect their vehicles.

“This is actually the 13th time my car has been broken into in the time that I’ve lived here,” said Will Moore, a four-year resident of The Edison at Gordon Square. “I pay a lot of money to live here and I should be able to park my car directly in front of the building I live in and not expect it to be broken into, what, every other day?”

City crime data pulled last month showed dozens of vehicle break-ins and vandalisms were reported in Cleveland’s Ward 15 in the month prior.

Police Chief Dorothy Todd issued a statement on Thursday that read:

Let us be clear: addressing this issue is not as simply as a quick fix. Quality investigations take time, they require thorough review of video footage, detailed interviews with victims and witnesses and coordinated intelligence sharing across districts and agencies. We must also prioritize the safety of everyone involved, those who have been affected and, yes, even those who are committing these crimes.

While some may feel that not enough is being done, please know that our officers, detectives and command staff are actively investigating these cases and working diligently to identify those responsible. It’s not a matter of if arrests will be made, but when. And when that time comes, we trust the judicial system will impose the appropriate consequences.

Police are asking anyone with information on the crimes, or video footage, to share it with police.

Doorbell camera video shows vehicles being broken into in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood earlier this week.

Tori Grimes said her boyfriend’s brand-new car was smashed into early on Oct. 1.

“It was absolutely devastating — he had the car no more than two weeks,” she said.

Grimes said nothing of real value was taken.

“There weren’t a lot of valuables in there, just a small pair of AirPods they didn’t take.”

For now, neighbors say they’re staying alert.

“Luckily we could afford to get the window replaced,” Grimes said. “But there are people who can’t. We’re on edge.”

Anyone who recognizes these people are urged to call Cleveland police Second District detectives at 216-623-5218 or call the division’s non-emergency line at 216-621-1234:

Justin Dennis

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