CINCINNATI -- Heroin addiction is being blamed for a rash of car burglaries in Cincinnati's Westwood neighborhood.
A burglar or burglars hit several cars Sunday night into early Monday morning, according to the Cincinnati Police Department. Heroin addicts, police said, will try to get their hands on anything they can steal.
DeEntre Thompson was one of this week's victims: Somebody broke out the passenger-side window on his brand-new Hyundai Elantra. He parked the car outside his home at the Slopes of Aspen apartments along Queen City Avenue.
IN DEPTH: The Tri-State's heroin epidemic
Thompson said this is the second time someone broke into his car at the Slopes of Aspen. He knows the Tri-State's drug problem can't be fixed overnight, but Thompson said he wishes the property manager would do more to deter crime.
"I suggested that they build a fence, because a fence would at least reduce the chances of this happening, considering there is no cameras and there's not real security that is here constantly," Thompson said.
Anita Quelle, regional property manager for the Slopes of Aspen, said the management team installed a camera at the entrance this year, but it does not cover the entire property. There's also one community officer that patrols the entire property. But she said it's not possible to build a fence.
MAP: Westwood leads city in stolen cars
For Thompson, that's not good enough.
"I could have been out here when it happened, and they may have stabbed or robbed me for all I know," he said.
To deter a burglar, Cincinnati police warn drivers to park in well-lit areas, lock the vehicle's doors and don't leave anything out -- even a few dimes can entice a thief.
