Minneapolis Police warn construction workers of rise in thefts, robberies
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are warning construction workers after a rise in thefts and robberies. The department said there have been at least 14 incidents recently where workers were targeted on the job, mostly in south Minneapolis.
"This year we've really been hit with a lot of construction. Compared to a normal year, it's been a lot, guys here everyday," resident Bruce Ohme said.
Ohme was surprised to learn that workers were being targeted in his neighborhood near Lake Nokomis.
According to police, the descriptions of the suspects have been both male and female juveniles who were in a group. They've targeted workers who mostly speak Spanish and have robbed or stolen items from their work vehicles while they were on the job site.
"They have things they keep in their cars, and they're working just trying to do their job and they're vulnerable and it's kinda sad they are being victimized," Ohme said.
In some incidents, police said a gun was used in the robbery. Items stolen include: weapons, cash, wallets, passports and power tools.
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"I'm guessing it's just an opportunity, probably," resident Niel Sheridan said.
Sheridan said the neighbors often look out for each other and the neighborhood feels safe.
"If I was a worker, I probably wouldn't be thinking to lock it if I'm just running in and out of the house, you know?" Sheridan said.
"It's kind of like the people they are targeting are vulnerable and the people that are doing the crime are wrecking their own lives by doing something like this, and they have no idea what the consequences are so it's just sad all around," Ohme said.
Minneapolis police offered the following safety tips:
- Always lock vehicles
- If you hire a contractor to do work at your home or business, inform them of this trend and encourage them to ensure they are properly securing their vehicle
- Never store personal identification documents like passports or a driver's license in your vehicle
- Keep serial numbers of work tools for recovery purposes
- Report suspicious behavior to 911. This includes people looking into cars and trying door handles
- Be a good witness! If you can safely record information, please share it with officers
"It's kind of like the people they are targeting are vulnerable and the people that are doing the crime are wrecking their own lives by doing something like this, and they have no idea what the consequences are so it's just sad all around," Ohme said.
Police said some arrests have been made.