Car break-ins rattle Providence residents

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Smashed windows and four missing tires are not what Eugene Dunne hoped to find when he went to his car on Medway Street Saturday.

“My alarm didn’t even go off,” he said. “This is ridiculous.”

Dunne says it looks like someone ransacked the car, and found the wheel lock key in the glove compartment to remove the tires.

“I knew that Honda was a car that they target, so I got the wheel locks,” he said. “But I guess you shouldn’t keep it in your glove compartment.”

Another vehicle in the parking lot also hit overnight. The damage included a smashed window and stolen items.

Some neighbors say they’re shocked.

“I’ve never heard of that happening around here,” said Alex Goldman. “Pretty surprised. Got to check my car, because they could’ve hit my car. I park near here too.”

But others are not so surprised.

Christopher Santoro says a month ago his car was broken into just down the street.

“The fact that this has now happened like three times, it kind of crazy,” he said. “It definitely has me feeling not the safest.”

Some neighbors think it could be the same person striking multiple cars — and getting plenty of practice.

“Probably whoever’s been doing it has been accumulating skills in this area,” said Willa Tracy. “So they’re probably pretty fast it. Probably best to keep an eye out.”

Those who agree say it’s an issue that needs to be addressed.

“A crime’s a crime, and it deserves some higher attention,” Santoro said.

“It’s a terrible problem in Providence,” Dunne said. “This is just going to keep happening until something more seriously is done.”

providence police are investigating.

Residents tell ABC6 they have asked for security cameras to be added to the parking lot, but they say Bilodeau, the management company that operates the lot, declined to install them.

Bilodeau has not

responded to our request for comment.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019