Neighborhoods in east Louisville are seeing an uptick in break-ins, prompting authorities and neighborhood groups to enhance security measures.
The suspects, some armed, were caught on camera just this week breaking into cars and then trying to get into a house.
WLKY obtained footage of the crimes in action and spoke to some of the victims.
Amanda King lives in Glen Oaks and says her car was stolen out of the driveway last week. Late Tuesday, she spotted a suspicious group of people in the neighborhood again.
“I saw two people running in between houses and get in a car,” said King. “I ran in, got my husband, and said, 'Get up, they're back, they're coming again.'”
Police tell her they were likely on a mission to steal. There's been a string of break-ins of cars and garages in east Louisville neighborhoods including Norton Commons, Falls Creek, and Hills and Dales. Victims tell WLKY thieves made away with garage door openers and money.
In response to our inquiry about the rash of break-ins, the Louisville Metro Police Department says they are aware and investigating.
As the alleged thieves go from one neighborhood to the next, cameras in the area caught some of them in the act just this week.
Surveillance sent to us from a Norton Commons residence caught four suspects attempting to enter a house after rummaging through cars. One of the thieves is armed with a gun that has an extended magazine. The thieves run away after realizing the door is locked.
Another video shows two people going through parked cars in a driveway in Falls Creek, where they stole a few items.
One couple in Hills and Dales who also had items stolen from their cars say the thieves managed to stay out of view of their home surveillance, but neighborhood cameras captured the alleged suspect vehicle, which did not have a license plate, coming and going.
“We just need help,” said King. “We have security, Flock, Rings, spotlights, alarms, we have it all, but none of it matters. So, do we just sit back? Someone, please tell me, what do we do?”
LMPD’s pursuit policy says they may only pursue violent offenders. A break-in suspect does not fall in that category.
However, amid the uptick in these crimes, LMPD’s eighth division and some of the neighborhood associations are increasing patrols.
Despite an increased police presence, residents are urged to be vigilant by locking their homes and cars and securing their belongings.
But, residents say they still cannot shake feeling unsafe in their own community.
“It's absolutely heartbreaking,” said King. “I cried last night going to bed and slept for four hours. It's not me; it's just not me.”