Police hunt for thief in Pelham Parkway garage break-ins

The most recent break-in happened at a garage on Barnes Avenue. Police say the suspect broke a window to get inside and targeted several cars.

Edric Robinson

Jan 24, 2025, 10:41 PM

Updated yesterday

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Pelham Parkway residents have been dealing with a string of parking garage break-ins, leaving cars vandalized and belongings stolen.
Police are now searching for a suspect connected to at least three incidents.
“This was just completely destroyed—glass everywhere,” said Mark Vilchez, describing the scene when he found his car.
The most recent break-in happened at a garage on Barnes Avenue. Police say the suspect broke a window to get inside and targeted several cars. Vilchez said his passenger-side window was smashed, and items were stolen.
“I had like $100 in the glove compartment for tolls and stuff, and he took that. He even took my sunglasses for some reason,” he said.
Neighbors say the suspect also tried to steal a car but couldn’t get it out of the garage.
Police believe the same person is responsible for two other break-ins earlier this month. On Jan. 11, garages near Lydig Avenue and Matthews Avenue and Lydig Avenue and Paulding Avenue were targeted. The thief broke into cars, stole valuables, and fled.
Police have released a photo of the alleged suspect, who they say fled in a gray four-door sedan after the most recent incident.
Residents say break-ins have become more common in the area.
“It’s happening all the time—first the cars outside, now the garages. It’s everywhere around here,” one neighbor said.
No injuries have been reported in these incidents. Police are urging anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.