Atlanta has experienced a significant increase in car break-ins in recent months, affecting various neighborhoods and prompting law enforcement to take action.
In mid-February 2025, residents of the Millworks Apartment complex in West Midtown awoke to find their vehicles vandalized. Thieves had infiltrated the gated parking garage overnight, smashing windows of approximately 20 to 30 cars. One resident, J Brown, noted this was not an isolated event, recalling a similar break-in at the complex in August 2024. Expressing frustration, Brown mentioned plans to relocate due to the recurring incidents, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.
In early January 2025, a series of car break-ins in southwest Atlanta left residents unnerved and frustrated. Video footage of some incidents was shared with local news outlets in hopes of identifying and apprehending the culprits.
On February 1, 2025, Atlanta police arrested five individuals—one adult and four teenagers—suspected of multiple car break-ins. The arrests followed a police chase, highlighting the department's commitment to addressing the surge in vehicle-related crimes.
In response to the rising number of car break-ins, Atlanta police and downtown leaders launched the "Lock, Hide, Keep" initiative in January 2025. This program aims to educate residents and visitors on preventive measures, such as locking vehicles, hiding valuables, and remaining vigilant, to deter potential thieves.
Authorities recommend several steps to reduce the risk of car break-ins: