Minneapolis police establish property crimes commander to curb car break-in problem

Minneapolis police say a new citywide strategy targets a car break-in problem that has affected thousands of people.

Minneapolis police said they have made it clear that the city has a car break-in problem and hope a new strategy will bring results. In an exclusive interview, the department’s new property crimes commander shared details about the effort, which started in May. 

“I think this has become a main focal point in Minneapolis for both the department and citizens,” said Darren Blauert.

Blauert is Minneapolis’ new property crimes commander and leads a 20-person team focused on property crimes. The department said the unit now investigates crimes citywide instead of being limited by precinct.

“It is a problem; we have seen increases for the last couple of years in property crimes, and it affects a lot of people,” said...