Thieves and robbers have been targeting construction workers in Minneapolis while contractors are sitting in their vehicles or while unlocked vehicles are parked on job sites, the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) posted on social media on Saturday.
MPD said they are seeing a trend of “apparent” juvenile suspects targeting mainly Spanish-speaking construction workers while on the job primarily in south Minneapolis.
In some of the robbery cases, a gun was used. Cash, weapons, power tools, wallets, and passports are among the reported losses, police said. They also said some arrests have been made but didn’t offer any details about the arrests or whether the arrested parties are part of an organized group committing robberies and thefts.
Crime Watch Minneapolis posted about numerous similar incidents taking place late last week based on police scanner audio that detailed thefts from vehicles, prowlers checking vehicle doors, and theft of license plates as well as some purse-snatch robberies.
Report of worker vehicles being broken into for the 2nd day.
Suspect: BM juvenile in a blue Kia Seltos (yesterday)
Suspect may be in a black Kia today, plate FSA637
30xx 35th Ave S
Squad 340
08:34— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) November 9, 2023
The incidents have stretched from the Standish neighborhood and into the Lowry Hill neighborhood. In one case, a .40 caliber gun was reported to have been stolen from a work vehicle.
Minneapolis – We're into an ongoing robbery/theft spree:
Theft of items from construction worker vehicle. Suspects in a white sedan.
41xx Nokomis AveAnd another robbery of person, purse snatch.
40xx Minnehaha AveSuspects in a white sedan. Illinois plate BU22872
11:35— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) November 9, 2023
There were continued reports of thefts from construction vehicles on Monday with one of the incidents involving tools being stolen on the Minneapolis/St. Louis Park border.
MPD urged people to keep vehicles locked, avoid storing personal documents like passports or driver’s licenses in a vehicle, and make a list or photo documentation of tools and serial numbers for reporting and recovery purposes.
If you have contractors working at your home or business, MPD asks you to let them know about the theft and robbery trend so they can properly secure their vehicles.
MPD also asks residents to report suspicious activity to 911, including door checkers, and to record information for officers if they can safely do so.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
