Residents frustrated after multiple car break-ins reported at Columbus apartments
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Several Columbus residents are frustrated after another string of car break-ins, this time at the Tillmore at Quarry Trails apartments.
Residents said it's the last place they'd expect something like this to happen.
Much like the break-ins in the Harrison West neighborhood last weekend, most said nothing was stolen. Either way, Zach Lee, said it's not what he wanted to wake up to.
Watch: Multiple car break-ins reported at Columbus apartments
"I got an email this morning from the apartment complex company saying there was a rash of break-ins," Lee said. "And knowing my luck, I figured they hit my car. So, I walked out and saw the broken glass right next to my car."
One car's steering column appeared to be completely ripped out. The car was towed from the parking lot.
One woman even had to take the day off work to clean up the mess left behind. Her passenger side window was smashed in. She said she'd like to see more cameras within the complex.
Isaac Gray has been living in the complex for over a year.
"They were pretty bold," Gray said. "I mean you're encircled by apartments and windows."
Gray said part of the reason he moved in was because of the seemingly safe area, located in the middle of a Metro Park. He too, though, fell victim to the string of break-ins.
"They broke the window, smashed it in. I honestly don't even know if they took anything," Gray said. "They did that and then they broke the glove box, which was unlocked. Nothing was in there."
"I mean, it's in the middle of a MetroPark," Lee said. "I figured it'd be safe, but it's also a bit more secluded to the main drags and 33 so maybe that's why they hit it."
Gray's BMW was parked right next to his truck. It was left alone.
"Luckily, I have something else I can drive for the time being, but a lot of people don't have that option," Gray said. "And I know they tried to steal someone's car. So, that ignition is just destroyed and you probably can't drive that."
Residents estimate the number of cars broken into could be close to 30.
"It does suck that I might have to pay it out of pocket," Gray said. "It's not something I want to do or have to think about."
NBC4 tried to obtain the report from Columbus police but were told it would not be made available Wednesday.
"It's just worth it to take the extra five seconds when you get off work or you're coming home and you think, I got my laptop, I'll grab it in the morning or I'll leave it for work tomorrow," Gray said. "You might as well just grab it. There's no point. It's not worth the effort to just leave it."
The apartment complex would not speak on the incident. It also would not comment on whether there is a security company that patrols the complex.