The Tuscaloosa Police Department is asking for help finding answers about a string of recent vehicle break-ins at apartment complexes all over the city.

In a Wednesday afternoon press release, TPD public information officer Stephanie Taylor said the department has received reports of at least 18 vehicle break-ins at three different apartment complexes this week.

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Four cars were broken into inside a parking deck at a complex on Jack Warner Parkway, Taylor said.

Six more were burglarized in the 400 block of 16th Street East and 17th Street East.

Eight additional break-ins were reported at apartments on Rice Mine Road North.

All of the crimes are believed to have been committed during a short window of time before dawn Wednesday morning.

Taylor said the break-ins do not fit the mold of typical thefts in the area.

"In most of these cases, offenders broke the windows of vehicles to gain entry," Taylor said. "This is unusual because unlocked vehicles are usually targeted. Investigators believe the break-ins occurred during the early morning hours Wednesday."

Investigators are asking anyone who lives in any of the three complexes who uses home surveillance cameras to review footage captured between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Wednesday for suspicious activity that may be related to the break-ins.

Anyone with information can contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 205-248-4520.

Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates on this developing story as they become available.

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