Louisville police investigating string of vehicle break-ins at Fern Creek shopping center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Business owners and gym-goers in Louisville’s Fern Creek neighborhood are on alert after a recent string of vehicle break-ins in a shared parking lot near Hurstbourne Parkway and Bardstown Road.

The parking lot serves about a dozen businesses, including One Stop Fitness, and has been the site of vandalism and car break-ins over the past several weeks. Police said many of the incidents happened during early morning hours, between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m.

“Definitely a surprise," Erick Coleman, a trainer at One Stop Fitness, said. "I haven't ever in the eight years that I have been here had to deal with anything like this."

Photos from the scene show smashed windows and vehicles that were rummaged through. Coleman believes the crimes appear to be crimes of opportunity.

“It's more or less where the suspects feel like they can get an easy target or come up on something of course isn't theirs,” he said.

Louisville Metro Police confirmed the department’s 7th Division is investigating the break-ins and is urging drivers to take precautions.

“Keep your doors locked when you go to the gym, remove your fire arms from your vehicle — I think there were a couple firearms that were taken and that is always dangerous and concerning for us,” LMPD Deputy Chief Emily McKinley said.

Some gym members said they were unaware of the recent crimes until now.

Darrin Branham, who visits Crunch Gym several mornings a week, said the news was unsettling.

“This is the first I have heard of it. It's alarming — very alarming,” Branham said.

Branham said he’s learned the importance of being cautious after experiencing a break-in himself years ago.

“Years ago I got my vehicle broke into — don't leave anything out they can can see,” he said.

Coleman said the frequency of the incidents has caught many off guard.

“It's really surprising to hear that they are doing it at the rate they are doing it at,” he said.

LMPD said there have been no arrests in the cases. Anyone with information is asked to call 574-LMPD. Tips can be made anonymously.

LMPD shares some tips online on how to prevent theft. To file a crime report, click here.

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