Morningside Neighborhood Sees Uptick in Property Crimes

Edina's Morningside neighborhood has seen a spike in property crimes over the last month and a half. The police department has increased overnight patrols, adding marked and unmarked cars in the area.

“What we’re seeing are crimes of opportunity,” Edina Police Chief Jeff Long said in a statement. “We can prevent this type of activity.”

Since Nov. 5, the neighborhood has seen two burglaries, one of an unlocked home in the 4200 block of Grimes Avenue and the other of an open garage in the 4200 block of Sunnyside Road. 

There have also been three auto thefts reported: on the 4200 block of Alden Drive, the 4400 block of France Avenue and the 4300 block of Eton Place. All vehicles had broken windows, and electronics left on the vehicles’ seats were taken.

A theft of a package from a front porch on the 4100 block of Morningside Road was also reported.

This year, about half of residential burglaries in Edina and about 65 percent of auto thefts have not had forced entry.

The Edina Police Department recommends following these tips to prevent yourself from becoming a victim:

• Never leave anything visible on the seats or floor of your vehicle. Common targets include gym bags, briefcases, book bags, purses and anything electronic.
• At home, keep doors to the home and garage doors closed and locked. Be sure the service door is sturdy and has a good deadbolt
• Install motion sensor lights in the front and backyard of your home.
• If you park your vehicle in your driveway, remove the garage door opener and any other valuables such as CDs, spare change, even sunglasses -- and then lock the doors.