Residents want answers after string of car break-ins

ATLANTA — Some Atlanta apartment residents want answers after nearly a dozen car break-ins in what is supposed to be a secure parking garage.

Channel 2's Ashley Swann spoke with residents of the AMLI Old Fourth Ward Apartments on Glen Iris Dr. Sunday who say it's not a new problem. In fact, one man told her his car has been hit several times.

"This is the sixth time," Demetrise Pinkerton told Swann. "The first time was really bad because they took an iPod and a watch that my son had gotten me."

The latest incident happened last week when Demetrise was one of at least 11 residents who, according to Atlanta police, had their cars broken into in the complex's garage on the same night.

"They got my iPad, they got my laptop, just various little files and folders and clothes so it's rough," resident Glen Berry told Swann.

What residents don't understand is how thieves are repeatedly getting by the security cameras and entrance gate and arm that's supposed to keep their cars safe.

"We keep getting emails, 'hey there's security problems in the parking lot, cars are getting broken into,'" Berry said. "Nothing's being done about it, that's what frustrated us."

Demetrisem, who estimates his break-ins have cost him over $2,000 in broken windows, believes young kids may be responsible and doesn't know how much more he's willing to take.

"It's really unfortunate," Demetrise says. "I'm still here but I don't know if I'm going to be here that much longer at this point."

Residents would like to see security in the garage overnight and tell Channel 2 Action News AMLI employees say that's in the works.

Swann reached out to the office Sunday, but was told to call back during normal business hours.

WSBTV