SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — More than 30 car windows were shattered this weekend in Sioux Falls. Police said that number could grow as more reports trickle in.
The crimes happened in the parking lots at four different apartment complexes on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
“I got an email from our apartment manager at about 10:30 Sunday morning informing all the tenants over here in this lot where I’m parked that there were windows busted out and vandalism to the vehicles sometime over the night,” Eryn Malley said.
Malley said her neighborhood is usually quiet. She added it’s a safe place to live.
However, Malley’s car was one of the 17 broken into at a westside apartment complex. Inside some of the vandalized vehicles, police said they found some valuables that had not been taken.
“There was a blanket that I keep in the back of my car for my dog, who has since passed away. But I kept it there. They stole that which was of no value, really,” Malley said. “And then a few items that I just noticed today from the center console were again, just small items, hairbrush, tire pressure gauge.”
Police said a vandalism spree like this is uncommon. They’re still searching for answers when it comes to what was used to break the windows and just how many suspects were involved.
“Sometimes there’s just an inherent risk and you don’t know who is going to come through and choose to do damage to cars. And that’s what we’re looking at here,” Sam Clemens, spokesman with the Sioux Falls Police Department said. “I think people just being aware of their surroundings, if they hear noises outside, you know, look outside. If you see something unusual, like people breaking car windows, call police.”
Car owners and apartment residents are hoping for answers, too.
“I’ve been trying to figure that out. You know, you hear that almost every day in any random city,” Malley said. “I’m hoping it’s just maybe a group of kids that thought it might be funny or to go see if they could find anything of value. Other than that, I really have no speculation on why people would do that.”
If you have any information on any of the weekend car break ins, you can call the non-emergency line at 605-367-7000 or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers.
