Some Residents 'Afraid' After String Of Property Damage In South Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A string of cars broken into and vandalized has people in one South Baltimore neighborhood on edge. Now,
police are asking for the public's help to catch whoever is behind the senseless damage.

With a tool in his hand and surveillance cameras rolling Friday night, a man casually walked up to a vehicle and took several swings until the driver's window caved in and he was able to snake his way in.

"What's the point of doing that? There is nothing in a car that is worth just destroying property," said Bradie Barr.

WJZ obtained photos of another damaged car, one of several targeted this weekend.

Baltimore City Police are investigating who has been destroying property in the neighborhood.

RELATED: Police Investigating String Of Vandalism, Theft In South Baltimore

The rash of vandalism has shocked Melva Turner, who says she has been living in her South Baltimore home for more than 70 years. Her Chrysler was hit Friday night.

"At first, I thought it was BB's. But I don't think so because I had pulled it in this way and there was no way they could have shot it," she said. "After it gets dark, I don't go out of the house, neither does he. We're afraid. I have lived in this neighborhood for 71 years and I never thought I would see the day that I would be afraid to walk out my front door. Never."

Tollie Miller's car was spared, but she lives near Riverside Avenue where several vehicles were damaged. She says last week she noticed someone was searching through her car.

[Reporter: How did whoever get into your car? Did you leave it unlocked?]

"We think we did. We think we may have," Miller said.

Miller says one of her tools went missing from her car, and she believes the suspect took it and used it to break into other vehicles.

Some neighbors say they specifically parked their cars behind their houses and not on the street because they thought it would keep their property safe, but that has changed.

Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to call police at 410-396-2499.

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