Rash of car burglaries in Eden Prairie have officials warning residents

A rash of burglaries in Eden Prairie has local law enforcement putting homeowners on notice.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 28, eight incidents of burglars rummaging through vehicles were reported between midnight and 4 a.m.

Police identified two incidents in particular as part of a release Friday. The first occurred just before 4 a.m. Tuesday on the 17000 block of Evener Way. Suspects there used a garage door opener from an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway.

The homeowner awoke when the garage door opened and saw the two suspects going through a vehicle, but nothing was stolen.

A few hours later, at 6:45 a.m., police responded to a burglary on the 18000 block of Tristram Way. Similarly, suspects used a garage door opener from an unlocked vehicle in the driveway to access the garage. This time, they entered the home through a service door, where they took a wallet and car keys from the kitchen.

They also used the keys to steal a vehicle parked in front of the home all while the victims slept inside. The Minneapolis Police Department recovered the vehicle the next day.

Six other reports of people tampering with automobiles were reported on Trillium Circle and Fairway Drive in Eden Prairie. Suspects rummaged through unlocked vehicles, but no items of value were reported stolen except a pair of sunglasses.

Police believe multiple suspects are committing the crimes.

Officials are also warning residents to lock the entrances to their homes including garage service doors and close the overhead garage doors at night. Police also urge everyone to lock cars in driveways or on the street overnight. Finally, they suggest removing valuables from cars in driveways or garages.