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76 vehicles broken into, vandalized overnight at apartments along BeltLine

Residents tell 11Alive that they've been complaining about security issues "for some time."

ATLANTA — Police say 76 vehicles were broken into or vandalized at an apartment complex along the Atlanta BeltLine. 

Atlanta Police responded to The Edge, located at 670 DeKalb Avenue in southeast Atlanta at around 6 a.m. on Monday. 

"This was targeted, aggressive," said resident Kerry Hatcher. "It's so bold and brazen."

Nothing was taken from Hatcher's car, although the front window was smashed to pieces. 

The same thing happened to Rob Hartle. Both he and his fiance had their cars broken into, but nothing of value was taken."

Both Hartle and Hatcher told 11Alive they are fed up with the ongoing crime. 

Hatcher said the security gates and locks regularly are not functioning appropriately, and management recently decreased the number of on-site security guards.

Hartle said he's complained to the front office.

"Nothing's been done."

Officers have made contact with some of the vehicle owners and are working to contact the remaining ones. Investigators are working to determine the identities of all suspects.

Atlanta Police tell 11Alive News that patrols in the area have been increased and that they are working with the property management to "provide assistance or guidance" where they can.

In a statement to 11Alive, The Connor Group, who owns the complex, said they are working to improve security measures.

"The safety of our residents is our number one priority," they said. "We have 24/7 security on-site, surveillance cameras on the property, and a gated entrance."

They said in the coming days, they will be adding additional security cameras and adding another on-site security officer who will be on the property 24-hours a day. 

"Vehicle break-ins can happen anywhere, and unfortunately, our community was targeted this morning," The Connor Group said in the statement. 

“Break-ins happen but, 76 at once? That’s pretty ridiculous," said Hartle.

People who live here said, it’s not just the cars. They claim several apartments were broken into over the past couple of weeks; the doors were kicked in. 11Alive reached out to Atlanta Police, who said because of the holiday, they would update with more information in the next few days.

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