INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man is warning homeowners on the city’s near east side after thieves broke into his detached garage costing him hundreds of dollars just to fix the damage.

Fransisco Gonzalez says he’s had to fix the siding on his garage three times in the past two days.

“The first one on the side… and this morning it’s by the other corner in the middle of my garage and my neighbor’s garage.” Gonzalez said. “I spent, like, almost $500 to buy the new plywood and the siding.”

And he’s not alone, police say at least four other detached garages were broken into within blocks of Gonzalez’s home and in each case the thieves tore off the siding and cut a hole into the building.

Another victim says the repairs and stolen items — including a lawnmower, leaf blower and grill — cost them thousands of dollars.

Gonzalez says he wants to see more police patrols in his neighborhood to help combat the crime and catch those responsible.

“The police have to start looking in the empty houses,” Gonzalez said. “There’s a lot of broken garages on the east side.”

He also wants his neighbors to keep their eyes peeled and report anything suspicious to police.

If you know anything about the break-ins or see anything suspicious in your neighborhood contact your local police department. You can also report any tips about crime to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.

