Atlanta

Atlanta senior living community hit with rash of car break-ins

ATLANTA — People at a senior living complex are on high alert after vandals broke into several cars, including one that belongs to a relative of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Naomi King was heading out for her morning swim Friday when she spotted the busted-out windows. Her car and five others had been targeted by vandals.

"They took the cup of coins out of that. So they vandalized all of that and took like clothes books and all of that," King said.

King was the victim of an attack in the same place less than a year ago. A 15-year-old got into the gated New Bethel Village complex and assaulted the 85-year-old sister-in-law of the late civil rights leader.

"Young people should understand the need for self-substance. Not dependency and the value of hard work," King said.

King and her family believe young people are also at the center of this week's series of break ins.

The frustration of King and other residents prompted a visit from an Atlanta police commander.

"Cameras, laptops, GPS, take them out of the  car," Atlanta Police Department Lt. Derwin Brown said.

Police plan to get the surveillance video from management after the holiday. They also promised the dedicated zone officer will make rounds in the complex.