Dozens of cars hit in smash-and-grab burglary spree in DC

Steven Trowell, with Safelite AutoGlass, repalces the passenger side window of a car that was damaged during a rash of car break-ins. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Steven Trowell, with Safelite AutoGlass, replaces the passenger side window of a car that was damaged during a rash of car break-ins. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
This car was one of 47 cars that were broken in to in the Sheppard Park neighborhood sometime on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning according to D.C. Police. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
This car was one of 47 cars that were broken in to in the Shepherd Park neighborhood sometime on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning according to D.C. police. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Glass on the ground in the Sheppard Park neighborhood of D.C. following a night when D.C. police said 47 cars were broken into. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Glass on the ground in the Shepherd Park neighborhood of Northwest D.C. following a night when D.C. police said 47 cars were broken into. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
This car was one of 47 cars that were broken into in the Sheppard Park neighborhood in D.C. sometime on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, D.C. police would not say whether the crimes were connected. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
This car was one of 47 cars that were broken into in the Shepherd Park neighborhood in D.C. sometime on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, D.C. police would not say whether the crimes were connected. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Police investigating the scene of one of the 47 break-ins in the Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. Resident)
Police investigating the scene of one of the 47 break-ins in the Shepherd Park neighborhood. (Sent by a D.C. resident)
Damage to a car in D.C.'s Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. resident)
Damage to a car in D.C.’s Shepherd Park neighborhood. (Sent by a D.C. resident)
One of 47 cars that were broken into at some point on Wednesday night-Thursday morning in the D.C. Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. resident)
One of 47 cars that were broken into at some point on Wednesday night-Thursday morning in the D.C. Shepherd Park neighborhood. (Sent by a D.C. resident)
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Steven Trowell, with Safelite AutoGlass, repalces the passenger side window of a car that was damaged during a rash of car break-ins. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
This car was one of 47 cars that were broken in to in the Sheppard Park neighborhood sometime on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning according to D.C. Police. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Glass on the ground in the Sheppard Park neighborhood of D.C. following a night when D.C. police said 47 cars were broken into. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
This car was one of 47 cars that were broken into in the Sheppard Park neighborhood in D.C. sometime on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, D.C. police would not say whether the crimes were connected. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)
Police investigating the scene of one of the 47 break-ins in the Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. Resident)
Damage to a car in D.C.'s Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. resident)
One of 47 cars that were broken into at some point on Wednesday night-Thursday morning in the D.C. Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. resident)
One of 47 cars that were broken into at some point on Wednesday night-Thursday morning in the D.C. Sheppard Park neighborhood. (Courtesy D.C. resident)

WASHINGTON — Police went door-to-door in one Northwest D.C. neighborhood Thursday, filling out reports after a smash-and-grab spree left dozens of cars damaged.

In all 47 cars were hit in the Shepherd Park neighborhood some time Wednesday night or early Thursday morning according to D.C. police.

Resident Sarah Kuruswo was awakened by police who came to notify her that her vehicle was among those struck.

“It was a big mess; everything was thrown all over the place,” Kuruswo said.

She said an expensive car seat was left insider her car, but her sunglasses were taken.

She was forced to take off work Friday so a window repairman could replace her shattered passenger’s-side window.

“Big damage for such a small thing,” Kuruswo said.

One resident who only identified herself as Mrs. Thompson said $20 and the insert for her cigarette lighter were taken.

“It was just ridiculous,” Thompson said.

Right now police haven’t said whether all the cases are connected.

Video surveillance from different homes captured a similar-looking man in the act of breaking into the cars that night.

Kuruswo said most residents believe the crimes were the work of one man.

“I hope he finds meaning with his life, because you cannot cause all the damage,” Kuruswo said.

Investigators have released surveillance footage of one suspect wanted in connection with this rash of burglaries. Anyone with information is asked to call DC police at 202-727-9099.

Mike Murillo

Mike Murillo is a reporter and anchor at WTOP. Before joining WTOP in 2013, he worked in radio in Orlando, New York City and Philadelphia.

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