Vandals Target About 40 Cars Near Fort Tryon Park
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some drivers near Fort Tryon Park were subjected to an unwelcome surprise this week, after thieves vandalized and burglarized around 40 cars.
As CBS2's Matt Kozar reported, it is an ongoing problem in the Upper Manhattan neighborhood, and a sour way to end the year.
One woman was in tears as she saw her vandalized Mercedes-Benz. The passenger window was smashed.
The woman snapped pictures of the vandalism for police.
City officials said thieves targeted around 40 vehicles parked on Cabrini Boulevard in a quiet section of Washington Heights near the park. The ground was left littered with glass.
Residents said the strip is one of a few areas in the neighborhood where parking can be found reliably.
"We always are hesitant to park back here, but it's one of the few areas to park around here," said resident Mike Jang.
So far, police have received 14 complaints of criminal mischief. But they are expecting more people to return to their cars after the holiday.
There appeared to be no clear pattern.
Thieves stole loose change and electronics from some cars, but took nothing from others they vandalized.
This was not the first time such vandalism happened in the area. In July, thieves targeted around three dozen cars.
At the time, residents said police promised to step up patrols.
"They enhanced the force here, but to the extent that it's still happening, it's obviously not sufficient,"
City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-10th) allocated money for security cameras along the block, but they have yet to be installed.
Rodriguez is working with the NYPD to install the security cameras, but it was unclear when it would happen.
In the meantime, a trail of blood on the strip provided an important clue for investigators, who hope to stop the smash-and-grabs once and for all.
Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:
